1989 Chateau Pavie for my first Merlot Thursday submission

Chateau Pavie has been renowned since the early 1800s and was rated as Premier Grand Cru Classé “B” (second-highest level) in the original 1955 Classification of Saint-Emilion. At the time, only Cheval Blanc and Ausone were rated as Premier Grand Cru Classé “A”, but in 2012, Pavie and Angelus were promoted to this highest level. As in all famous wine regions, political conflicts abound, and in 2021, Cheval Blanc, Ausone, and Angelus left the classification, leaving Pavie as the only top-rated estate until Figeac was promoted the following year.

Despite all this, Chateau Pavie may have one of the highest perception disparities between newbies (mostly unknown) and wine nerds (celebrated or controversial). Until 1998, Pavie was known for elegant, classically styled clarets, but an ownership change brought in celebrity winemaker Michel Rolland and a heavily extracted, highly alcoholic style favored by critics like Robert Parker (the 2003 vintage is especially controversial due to a major public disagreement between Parker and Jancis Robinson). However, recent vintages have gone back to a more restrained style.

I’ve had a hard time finding a definitive source for the 1989 blend, but consensus seems to be 55-60% Merlot, 25-30% Cabernet Franc, and 10-20% Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s listed at 13% ABV.

Tasting Notes: Bottle in pristine condition. Color was younger-looking than expected, though there was lots of sediment to be decanted. Haunting nose of black cherry, blackberry, tobacco leaf, and earth. Medium+ bodied and balanced, with a long, earthy finish. One of my favorite Right Bank wines I’ve ever tasted.