Chateau Pavie Premier Grand Cru Classe A Saint-Emilion 2017

The 2017 Château Pavie is deep and brooding on the nose, layering black plum, blackberry and warm cherry over hints of anise, dark chocolate and crushed stone. The palate is plush and powerful yet composed, driven by fresh acidity and finely knit tannins that carry the fruit with precision. Oak is well-judged, adding savory toast and spice without masking the limestone-borne minerality. The finish is long, fragrant and persistent. Superb with herb-crusted lamb, venison or truffle-accented mushrooms; decant if drinking now, or cellar for graceful development over the next two decades.