Tasting Notes
Vinous – 94
Radiant and sexy in the glass, the 2012 Pavie-Decesse is the most gracious of the three top wines in Gérard Perse’s lineup. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, menthol and licorice are some of the notes that fused together in this beautifully focused, layered wine. Hints of violet and lavender add the closing shades of nuance. Silky tannins give the Pavie-Decesse plenty of early appeal, but there is also more than enough depth for the 2012 to drink well for a number of years. The 2012 is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, from vines that are 50 years old on average.
Anticipated maturity: 2016-2032
Robert Parker – 95
From Chantal and Gerard Perse, this St.-Emilion is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. It is interesting that the small vineyard of 8.5 acres (which I have walked) sits above Pavie on a steep, pure limestone outcrop. This is the quintessential limestone-based wine, with a liquor of powdered chalk mixed with cassis and blackberry. Very concentrated (almost painfully so), this highly extracted, full-bodied, massive, rich and powerful wine needs cellaring. Everything is present for a great future. This is one of the superstars of the vintage. Unfortunately, production of Pavis Decesse is minuscule, as a large section of the vineyard was incorporated into Pavie. This wine, with its opaque purple color and great density and richness is a connoisseur’s dream. Forget it for 5-8 years and drink it over the following three decades.
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050
