The 2013 Pavie is pure sensuality in the glass. Smoke, cassis, graphite and white flowers appear first, followed by expressive blue/purplish fruit. Firm yet well-integrated tannins lend support to a wine that boasts considerable concentration and sheer depth, especially within the context of the year. This is a rare 2013 that will require at least some bottle age. The blend is 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2013 was fermented in oak uprights, and saw 36 days of contact on the skins, long for the year.

Dark red. Plum, blackberry and blueberry on the fruit-driven nose. Fresh and clean on the palate, with spicy dark fruit flavors that are less dense than usual for this wine, in the style of the year. Finishes with a hint of leafiness but also with excellent balance, youthful tannins and sneaky concentration. Will make lovely earlier-than-usual drinking.

Tasted blind. Deep smudgy garnet. Dark and tarry. Lots of black fruit. Chewy, dense and yet harmonious in that big style. Dark and savoury and with a lovely graphite flavour and surprisingly fine texture. (JH)