CHÂTEAU PAVIE MACQUIN

The Pavie Macquin is a blend of 85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon picked between 13th and 18th October at 30hl/ha. It has a gorgeous, sumptuous bouquet with pure dark cherries, Hoi Sin and oyster shells that is extremely pure and beautifully defined. The palate has a cashmere texture, wonderful finesse and very well judged acidity. It is a stunning wine from Pavie-Macquin in a difficult vintage. This would be one of my top picks on the Right Bank. Rating: 94-96 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2013)

(85% merlot, 14% cabernet franc and 1% cabernet sauvignon; 30 h/h production): Deep purple-ruby. Penetrating notes of violet and rose complement intense, almost syrupy aromas of strawberry and red cherry. Then dense and suave in the mouth, with rich flavors of red berries and minerals complicated by vanilla and violet. Finishes very rich and long. This year, the merlot was harvested between October 13 and 18 and the cabernet on October 17 and 18. One of my top 15 wines of the vintage. Pavie-Macquin takes its name from its location in the Pavie sector of Saint-Emilion and from the grandfather Albert Macquin of the Corre-Macquin family. Since 1994, Nicolas Thienpoint has been managing the property with the consulting help of Stephane Derenoncourt. Rating: 91-93 Ian d'Agata, www.vinousmedia.com (May 2013)

A dense blue/black color is accompanied by notes of creosote, graphite, black fruits, vanillin, chocolate and tapenade. Rich, concentrated and full-bodied, it has a spicy, compacted, layered mouthfeel. Given how past vintages seemed to close down after bottling, this beauty will probably need 5-6 years of cellaring and keep for two decades or more. A stunning blend of 85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2012 Pavie Macquin came in at 14.4% natural alcohol. This vineyard, which enjoys a tremendous terroir high on the plateau above Pavie Decesse, is planted in pure limestone and clay soils. 2018 - 2038 Rating: 92-95 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (Apr 2013)

Deep dark crimson with purple rim. Rich black cherry aroma, inviting. Some sweet oak toastiness but not too much because there's a meaty edge too. Really moreish. Bright and lively. Generous, full fruited and rounded but not in the least flabby. Lots of red fruit and fine supple tannin. Energy and length. Just enough freshness and a nice chewy finish. Pleasure without pretension. 2017 - 2025. Rating: 17 Julia Harding MW, www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2013)

Rating: 91 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Apr 2013)

Spicy, liquorish nose. Red berry fruit. Characteristic acidity of the cru evident. Firm, powerful structure but less assertive tannins than 2011. Drink: 2020 - 2030 Rating: 17.25 James Lawther MW, decanter.com (Apr 2013)

Rating: 18 Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Apr 2013)

Delightfully fresh and pure, with beautifully expressive aromas of blueberry, raspberry, plum and boysenberry fruit. This tames the grippy, taut side of the vintage, delivering sleek, silky tannins and a long, spice-infused finish. Offers lovely length and precision. Rating: 93-96 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Apr 2013)