2021 Château Pavie-Macquin Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Winery Château Pavie-Macquin

Château Pavie-Macquin is a Premier Grand Cru Classé in Saint-Émilion, situated on the limestone plateau on the eastern side of the appellation. The estate is known for its pronounced terroir, with deep roots in chalky soils that impart tension and minerality. Under the leadership of Nicolas Thienpont, the vineyard and cellar are worked with great precision, emphasizing balance, fresh acidity, and refined extraction. The château operates sustainably and pays close attention to soil life and biodiversity. More information about this winery can be found under the "Winery" tab.

Region, climate and location

Saint-Émilion boasts a mosaic of soils, but the limestone plateau on which Pavie-Macquin lies is among the appellation's most sought-after terroirs. The 2021 vintage was characterized by a cooler and more challenging growing season, with lower yields and an emphasis on precision in the vineyard. The result is a wine that emphasizes tension, aromatic refinement, and structure over volume or power.

Vineyards and grape varieties

The vineyards are primarily situated on limestone with a thin layer of clay, which imparts natural freshness and a distinct mineral signature. The 2021 vintage is composed of 79% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. The relatively high proportion of Cabernet Franc underscores the vintage's aromatic refinement. The combination of chalky soils and carefully selected plots results in a wine with tension and precision.

Harvest, vinification and maturation

In 2021, strict selection was made to ensure optimal ripeness. Vinification involved controlled extraction to preserve finesse. Maturation took place in French oak barrels, with new wood carefully integrated to support structure without overpowering the fruit. This vintage emphasizes purity and balance, with a clear focus on minerality and freshness.

Color, smell and taste

The wine displays a deep ruby red color. The nose reveals notes of black cherry, blackberry, and raspberry, complemented by mint, bay leaf, and subtle spices. With a little air, nuances of cedar, balsamic vinegar, chocolate, and a faint hint of new leather emerge. On the palate, the attack is juicy and round, with a core of ripe dark fruit supported by chalky tannins. The structure is refined yet distinct, with lively acidity providing energy and length. The finish is mineral and harmonious, combining elegance and depth.

Development and drinking window

The various professional assessments place the drinking window between 2027 and 2046. With scores of 93 points from William Kelley (Wine Advocate), 96 points from Zekun Shuai (James Suckling) and 94+ points from Antonio Galloni (Vinous), the 2021 is widely recognized as a very successful interpretation of the year.

Summary of professional reviews

William Kelley (Wine Advocate, 93 points) emphasizes the deep fruit core and the chalky, mineral structure. Zekun Shuai (James Suckling, 96 points) praises the juicy roundness, velvety tannin profile, and excellent finish. Antonio Galloni (Vinous, 94+ points) sees a wine that combines finesse and aromatic intensity with lively acidity and harmonious balance. The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

Wine-Food and Discount

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers. In the "Food" tab, you'll find advice on what to consider for the perfect wine-food pairing and several dish suggestions from our Sommelier.