Château Pavie Macquin, Grand Cru Classé, St Emilion, 2006
A pronounced nose of red berry compôte, and similar crushed red berry character on the generous palate, accompanied by sweet toasty oak and meaty hints; the finish is long and very fine, with ripe, chewy tannins. A blend of 75% merlot and 25% cabernet franc.
critic reviews
Restrained and yet generous, showing contrasts in texture and in architecture. Still knitted down with chalky tannins that give resistance on the palate, and here you feel cooler blue fruits that reflect the longer growing season, along with cigar box, saffron, chalk, juicy lemongrass and mandarin. Part of the cool vintages series within this vertical. 80% new oak.
The 2006 Pavie-Macquin is a powerful, burly wine, especially in its feel. Game, smoke, leather, dark spice, chocolate and licorice add to a feeling of virile intensity. Disease pressure at the end of a cool growing season led to a compact harvest in 2006. There is good depth, but less in the way of charm and sensuality. I imagine the 2006 will always retain its somewhat rustic personality.