Château Pavie St Emilion Grand Cru Premier Grand Cru Classé B 2010

Standout quality in an exceptional vintage for Bordeaux, still an absolute baby. Expect a slab of liquorice and chocolate, with an expertly-judged slash of acidity that adds tension and cuts through the opulence of the black cherry, cassis, cigar box, liquorice and kirsch. Intense smoke emerges as it opens, coiled and ready to take it further over the next decade. It’s a big wine, not taking any prisoners even at 15 years old, but it is sculpted, chiselled, mouthwatering, and will continue to age for decades – I suggest putting this back in the cellar for now. 80% new oak, brought down from 100% as of the 2006 vintage. Gerard Perse owner, Michel Rolland consultant, Jean-Baptiste Pion winemaker.