Ch.Pavie Macquin 2005 750ml

Wine Advocate #176 Apr 2008
It appears consumers can’t go wrong with any 2005 with the word "Pavie" in its name. This outstanding terroir, elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classe status in St.-Emilion’s reclassification, is run with impeccable attention to detail by Nicolas Thienpont, who is assisted by winemaking guru, Stephane Derenoncourt. The 2005 Pavie Macquin may turn out to be this duo’s finest wine to date. This is a moderately large vineyard (37 acres) for the area, and the blend tends to be 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. A black/purple color is accompanied by aromas of charcoal, burning embers, crushed rocks, sweet, pure, blueberries and blackberries, chocolaty creme de cassis, and licorice. It possesses massive concentration, phenomenal levels of tannin, and good acidity, but it is even more backward than either Pavie or Pavie Decesse. A modern day elixir that should prove to be monumental in 15-20 years, it will last for 40+ years.

Pavie Macquin is a property admirably situated on the top of the plateau of Saint Emilion. The realisation of the enormous quality of the property, as well as the will-power to produce a wine worthy of the terroir, began with the arrival of Maryse Barre in 1986. With great energy and determination, Madame Barre contributed hugely to the renaissance of the property. Her work is carried on by Nicolas Thienpont, who arrived at the end of 1994, accompanied by Stéphane Derenoncourt, already present at the chateau since 1990. They found, in Pavie Macquin, the ideal birthplace for a method of production that has since been proven the world over.
This research and this contemplation of a viticulture and vinification based on respect for natural law and a dynamic tradition have made Pavie Macquin a virtual laboratory. It is not a question of creating a new wine but simply of revealing the terroir and unveiling the qualities that were hitherto hidden. In one phrase, it meant revealing the hidden beauty of this ‘Cinderella’.
On the occasion of the reclassification of the Saint Emilion chateaux (in September 2006), Chateau Pavie Macquin was promoted to the prestigious level of Premier Grand Cru Classé.