Tasting Notes
Vinous 95/100
The 2020 Pavie-Decesse is compelling. Silky and voluptuous, it opens with a rush of inky red/purplish fruit, rose petal, lavender, spice and mocha. There is terrific brightness and plenty of energy, but the luxuriousness of the fruit wins the day. I imagine the 2020 will drink well with only a few years in bottle.
Anticipated maturity: 2030-2050
Jeb Dunnuck 96-98
A blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Château Pavie Decesse comes from the upper plateau, just above Château Pavie, and the soils here are more limestone based, with just a thin layer of clay over the bedrock, which tends to produce a more elegant, ethereal wine. Nevertheless, this brings serious richness and depth as well as full-bodied aromas and flavors of black cherries, currants, bouquet garni, crushed violets, and chalky minerality. Just stunning in every way, it has an expansive texture, the classic purity and elegance this cuvée always shows, and a monster of a finish.
Robert Parker 95-97
The 2020 Pavie Decesse is a blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, aging in French oak barrels, 80% new. It has an alcohol of 14.81% and a pH of 3.52. Deep purple-black colored, notions of baked blackberries, preserved plums and black cherry compote come barreling out of the glass, followed by suggestions of dark chocolate, licorice and Indian spices, with a fragrant hint of lavender. The medium to full-bodied palate is jam-packed with rich, spicy black fruits, supported by firm yet beautifully plush tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long with lots of emerging earthy nuances.
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2052
Decanter 95
Balanced, sleek and poised, plenty of character, a real push and pull, it expands and contracts, the oak is well masked and there is a sense of energy. This is an enjoyable wine, easy to recommend, but I think this may be the first vintage where I have thought that its sibling Pavie is a clear step up. 80% new oak, 3.53pH, from up on the limestone plateau. A yield of 17hl/ha.
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2042
