Rich and deep in colour, this is inky damson, layered and luscious in its aromatics, both restrained and generous, performing the limestone magic trick of push and pull, giving and taking. Blackberry, blueberry and liquorice upfront, with the tannins bristling and muscular but well honed and discreet. As it softens through the mid palate, the creamy fruits arrive, and you relax for a moment because the grip is turned on again. This will close up soon, as the 2016 has done, but right now is singing with liquorice, black chocolate, blackcurrant, turmeric, spiced black truffles, mandarin peel and slate. Totally lives up to its En Primeur brilliance. 50% new oak. Part of the outstanding vintages series within this vertical.

A blend of 78% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Pavie Macquin is deep garnet-purple in color. It bursts with expressive blackberries, boysenberries, and ripe plum scents plus hints of dried mint, cast-iron pan and wood smoke. Full-bodied, rich and powerful in the mouth, it has amazing tension and velvety tannins, finishing very long.

The 2019 Pavie-Macquin is missing a little complexity on the nose, with tertiary scents and touches of dry tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant and fine tannins, pure and silky smooth in style, gradually building so that it exerts gentle grip on the finish. Give it time for the aromatics to evolve. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.