2000 Chateau Pavie Premier Grand Cru Classe A, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 1x750ml

Robert Parker 99

Served blind at a private dinner in Bordeaux, the millennial Pavie is a brilliant Saint Emilion that just with age is developing a sense of classicism that must have a few cynics blushing with embarrassment. Decanted for a couple of hours, it offers a sensational pure bouquet with dark berries, a touch of crushed raspberry, limestone and rose petals. The palate is surprisingly reserved on the entry but builds nicely on the palate. Supremely well balanced with a very precise, refreshing finish. Over the course of two hours, this Pavie 2000 just gets better and better and better. It is just about reaching its drinking plateau where it should remain for a decade. Tasted April 2011. [04/01/2011]

Vinous 95

(bottled in March of 2003) Good full medium ruby. Knockout nose of blackberry, espresso, licorice, minerals and burnished oak; offers terrific verve and clarity for a wine so ripe and rich. Then extremely youthful on the palate, with tightly wound flavors and great inner-mouth energy. Brilliant black fruit and mineral flavors offer compelling perfume. This is still remarkably primary despite its long elevage (the wine was bottled just three weeks prior to my tasting). Finishes with great tactile, chewy persistence. An outstanding vintage for this property. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/05/2003]