Andrew Jefford | Dark, saturated midnight black-red, shading to purple-red at the rim. Earth, oak, and graphite qualifies the relatively fresh, curranty fruit in this lively Pavie-Macquin. We need a year or two in storage for the oak to fully integrate, but this is one St-Emilion that seems to have maintained its freshness admirably. On the palate, it is vigorous, deep, cool, and tightly pressed, with very firm tannins and sustained, athletic though (just) ripe acidity. As so often, Pavie-Macquin has a rather stern style and this vintage may well have accentuated that, but there is a lot packed in to this concentrated, brightly flavored, articulate, and ringing wine and it will last well. | 91

Michael Schuster | Blackberry-ripe and oaky on the nose, persistent and fine; rich, fresh, finely and firmly tannic; deep and ripe and savory wine, an abundance of flavor, chewy textured, but long and satisfying to taste, and long to finish, too. Plenty to enjoy in its up-front, powerful way. 2025–35+. | 92