2006 Ch Pavie Macquin Grand Cru Classé St Emilion

Tasting Notes

Goedhuis, May 2007, Score: 91-93

Sacrifice was the word of the vintage this year. Nicolas produced 30% less than he did in 2005 (and 40% less than 2004). One of the reasons for this was his super selection, eliminating grapes in the vineyard and on the sorting table. He also declassified vats of wine including a normally regular addition equalling 8,000 bottles. That is how strict he was this year. And it shows. His grand vin is rich and spicy with a broad structure and plush tannins that finishes on attractive flavours of cinnamon and plum.

Robert Parker, April 2007, Score: 92-95

As of this vintage, Pavie Macquin is entitled to a premier grand cru classe designation in the revised classification of the wines of St.-Emilion (suspended in March because of pending litigation). Overseen by the dynamic duo of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt, the 2006, a blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, should turn out to be one of the top wines of the vintage. It boasts an inky/blue/purple color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of charcoal, blackberries, blueberries, licorice, and smoke. Full-bodied, powerful, and rich, it is nearly as prodigious as the virtually perfect 2005. An amazing wine for the vintage, it clearly emerges from a magnificent terroir. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2030.

Robert Parker, February 2009, Score: 92+

From a superbly situated on St.-Emilion's plateau, 38-acre vineyard planted on primarily limestone and clay, this 2006 is meant for long-term aging. A combination of 80% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, it is a backward, brawny, muscular, long distance runner. Consumers lacking patience are advised to steer clear of this wine. Its dense purple color is followed by aromas of graphite, sweet cassis, pen ink, and charcoal. This powerful, dense, concentrated wine possesses high tannins and lots of structure. One of the more backward offerings from the right bank in 2006, it will not be close to drinkability for 8-10 years. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030.

Jancis Robinson, May 2007, Score: 16.5

Rather a lack of fruit concentration on the mid palate. So cool, green and astringent. Awfully green. Mid crimson. Some ripe fruit with explosive ripe berry sensations, as well as some gaminess. Very distinctive, intense nose. Wild with very exuberant fruit but some leafy green notes too. Organic viticulture.

St Emilion

South of Pomerol lies the medieval, perched village of St Emilion. Surrounding this village are vines that produce round, rich and often hedonistic wines. Despite a myriad of soil types, two main ones dominate - the gravelly, limestone slopes that delve down to the valley from the plateau and the valley itself which is comprised of limestone, gravel, clay and sand. Despite its popularity today, it was not until the 1980s to early 1990s that attention was brought to this region. Robert Parker, the famous wine critic, began reviewing their Merlot-dominated wines and giving them hefty scores. The rest is history as they say. Similar to the Médoc, there is a classification system in place which dates from 1955 and outlines several levels of quality. These include its regional appellation of St Emilion, St Emilion Grand Cru, St Emilion Grand Cru Classé and St Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé, which is further divided into "A" (Ausone and Cheval Blanc) and "B" (including Angélus, Canon, Figeac and a handful of others). To ensure better accuracy, the classification is redone every 10 years enabling certain châteaux to be upgraded or downgraded depending on on the quality of their more recent vintages.

Château Pavie Macquin

One of the few châteaux in Bordeaux that is biodynamically farmed, Pavie Macquin has long been one of the top wines of St Emilion which aficionados liken to Lafleur of Pomerol. It is managed by the ultra dynamic Nicolas Thienpont who uses oenologists Michel Rolland and Stéphane Derononcourt as his right hand men.

Merlot / Cabernet Franc / Cabernet Sauvignon

The three classic Bordeaux grapes in a combination favoured on the Right Bank of the river, where Merlot thrives. It's ripe, soft fruit and texture is well-balanced by the firmer tannins and distinctive currant fruit of the Cabernets. Notable wines made from this blend are Angelus and Vieux Chateau Certan.