In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninMedium acidityDryLong, Dark-Fruit And Mineral Persistence finish

Aroma: dark plum, blackberry, truffle, minerality, graphite

Palate: concentrated dark fruits, licorice, chocolate, cedar, mineral stone

From 42 hectares at Saint-Emilion's highest point (110m), Pavie delivers concentrated, structured Merlot-dominant blends with extraordinary mineral depth. Pairs elegance with considerable power; requires minimum 15 years to fully integrate.

What it pairs with

  • Roasted rack of lamb with truffle potato gratin
    Powerful tannin structure integrates with lamb's collagen-rich rack; truffle echoes the wine's earthy mineral register.
  • Beef entrecote with bone marrow butter
    Full-body and concentrated fruit match the richness of prime beef and marrow; acidity cleanses.
  • Wild mushroom risotto with aged Parmigiano
    Earthy mushroom and umami cheese amplify the wine's truffle and mineral dimension.
  • Foie gras terrine
    The wine's concentration and dark fruit intensity stand up to the richness of foie gras.

History

Chateau Pavie was purchased by Gerard Perse in 1998 for 31 million euros, after which it underwent a dramatic quality transformation. Previously classified as Premier Grand Cru Classe B since 1954, Pavie was promoted to the top rank (A) in the 2012 reclassification alongside Angelus. The 2022 reclassification confirmed Pavie's continued status as Premier Grand Cru Classe A, one of four estates at that level alongside the newly promoted Figeac. Gerard Perse passed away in July 2025; the estate continues under son-in-law Henrique da Costa.

  1. 1954 — First classified as Premier Grand Cru Classe B
  2. 1998 — Gerard Perse purchases the estate; quality transformation begins
  3. 2012 — Promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classe A in Saint-Emilion reclassification
  4. 2022 — Status as Premier Grand Cru Classe A confirmed in latest classification

Facts

Producer
Chateau Pavie
Grapes
Merlot (60%), Cabernet Franc (30%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%)
Classification
Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe A (2012 and 2022 classifications)
Oak
18-24 months in 75% new French oak barrels
ABV
14.5%
Production
144,000 bottles
Price
EUR 200-350 at retail
Drinking window
15-40 from vintage
First vintage
1998

Tags

cabernet franc cabernet sauvignon cellar worthy dry firm tannin full body grand cru iconic medium acid merlot mood bold mood contemplative occasion cellar occasion gift occasion special old world pairs with foie gras pairs with game pairs with mushroom pairs with red meat pairs with truffles price luxury still red
← Back to wines in Bordeaux