There are few chateaux which have had as meteoric a rise as Chateau Pavie. Thanks to the modern and innovating work of owner Gerard Perse, Chateau Pavie has become one of the most iconic estates in Bordeaux. Since taking over in 1998, there have been dramatic changes in quality: a simple look at Robert Parker’s scores says it all, with six wines from 1998-2016 scoring the perfect 100pts and an average Wine Advocate score between 1998-2013 of over 96pts. Crucially the heart of the chateau’s success continues to lie in its truly remarkable terroir that spans one of St-Emilion’s most privileged slopes. So whilst Pavie’s original reputation was as the poster-boy of rich, ripe Bordeaux for the 21st Century, Perse has continually tweaked and finessed his style to allow the vineyard full and true expression. Indeed from 2014 onwards there has been greater delicacy of touch without losing any of the wine’s inherent exotic charms. Where once it was controversial, even divisive, today Pavie enjoys consistent plaudits both sides of the Atlantic and far beyond.
