Not so long ago, Pavie would have rejoiced in the massive tannic and alcohol potential of this vintage, but they really have done a great job practicing restraint. It doesn`t sacrifice Pavie`s power but of all the wines in this particular lineup it`s the one that carries the weight of the vintage the best, building power by stealth rather than grabbing it from you. This is great quality, with inky depths to the black fruits, accompanied by liquorice and chocolate, and the beautiful salty lick on the finish really completes the picture - your tongue just licks the wall and it`s highly enjoyable! Harvest began on 26 September, later than some in the appellation, with a 38hl/ha yield. Although extraction was kept gentle, with the grapes given a week-long cold soak before fermentation at no more than 28°C, then a five-week maceration (longer than some, but these guys used to do eight weeks or more!), they have achieved a high tannin count of 97IPT and 3.58pH. Drink 2028 - 2042. 96 points

60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields 38 hl/ha and 80% new oak. Black almost to the rim. Very ripe black fruit with a note of wild elderberry. So much tannin, your mouth closes in but the whole has balance even with these massive tannins because the fruit is extremely concentrated. The freshness of a limestone site, and the tannins are fine even if incredibly dense. Gums your mouth at the moment. You have to be patient and like this style of wine to enjoy this. 17 points

The 2018 Pavie is composed of 60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested October 1-10 with yields of 38 hectoliters per hectare. The wine has a 3.58 pH and 14.48% alcohol. Very deep purple-black in color, the nose starts off quiet and stern, swiftly growing exponentially in the glass to reveal powerful plum preserves, fruitcake, coffee beans, smoked meats and black olives scents with emerging nuances of roses, hois in, molten chocolate and licorice plus a waft of candied violets. WOW—the palate explodes with waves of black fruit preserves, exotic spices and savory chocolate, framed by very firm, super ripe, velvety tannins and an electric backbone of freshness, finishing with epic length and energy. Amazing, singular wine—it could only be Pavie. 97-100 points

The 2018 Pavie is a powerful, racy wine. Deep, unctuous and impeccably polished, the 2018 Pavie has so much to offer. A rush of red/purplish berry fruit, floral notes , leather, lavender and mocha all race across the palate. Even with all of its obvious tannin and structure, the 2018 Pavie is incredibly appealing and sensual from the very first taste. I can`t wait to see it in bottle. 94-97 points

This was picked between October 1st and the 10th, at a yield of 38 hl/ha. The alcohol is 14.48%, and the pH is 3.68. This has a slightly more confit style to the fruit than some of the other Perse wines, which show a surprising level of freshness in this vintage. There are scents of dried cherry and currant fruits, pure and bright, with a defined concentration, as well as notes of rose petals and freesias. This continues onto a very pure and fresh palate, with lightly grained plum and cherry fruits, delicately dressed with floral nuances, wrapped in a very subtle ribbon of vanillin oak, and underneath this there is a fine, full and nicely polished palate. An understated style for Pavie, very broad and polished, but with the excess reined in, so that it looks fresh and direct. Even so, the tannic structure here is still very broad and confident, dominating a little on a second look, but it remains velvety, seamless, plush and concentrated. A very good wine, one which attempts to capture the best of the terroir in this vintage. 95-97 points