Château Pavie Macquin St Emilion Grand Cru Premier Grand Cru Classé B 2001

The colour is beginning to soften and turn russet pink around the edges, and the aromatics are moreish and enticing, with sweet tobacco, bacon rind, campfire smoke and charcoal. A vintage I love, and this is totally living up to my expectations, with a gentle power that builds through the palate, salinity exemplified, with the blueberry, raspberry puree and saffron character that is such a signature of older Pavie Macquin. 80% new oak that by now is smoky, stretched out, langorous, gentle. Part of the classic vintages series within this vertical, and I can’t recommend highly enough. Don’t expect fireworks, this is subtle but rewarding.