2023 Château Pavie-Macquin Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Château Pavie Macquin and the evolution of the estate

Château Pavie Macquin is one of the leading names in Saint-Émilion. The estate is known for its pursuit of finesse, structure, and aromatic layering, supported by its exceptional location on the limestone plateau. In recent years, parts of the estate have been replanted and restructured, allowing younger plantings with high-quality genetic selection to gradually come into production. This gives the wines greater precision, refinement, and excitement. Under the Winery tab, you can find more information about the château and the vision behind its work.

The combination of limestone, altitude, and coolness forms the basis for Pavie Macquin's signature style: wines with intense fruit, vibrant acidity, and a clear textural backbone. The 2023 vintage beautifully combines these qualities.

The terroir of Saint-Émilion and the character of 2023

The vineyards are situated on the renowned plateau, where limestone directly beneath the topsoil provides vertical freshness, a firm structure, and recognizable aromatic tension. The 2023 growing season offered ample ripeness, but thanks to the cool September, the grapes retained their vibrant acidity and aromatic clarity.

The harvest took place from September 18th to October 3rd, with yields of around 48 hl/ha. The Cabernet Franc content gives the wine aromatic complexity and earthy, spicy nuances. The low pH of 3.35 imparts a striking freshness and gives the tannins a refined grip.

Grapes, blending and vinification of 2023 Pavie Macquin

The blend is dominated by Merlot, supplemented by a substantial portion of Cabernet Franc and a smaller amount of Cabernet Sauvignon. This combination gives the wine depth, aromatic tension, and a clear structure. Thanks to the higher planting densities in certain areas of the estate, the berries are smaller, the skins thicker, and the tannins finer.

The winemaking process emphasizes softness and precision. Extraction remains controlled, giving the wine a creamy, elegant entry without losing its vibrancy. The layering is clear: from juicy red and black fruit to floral accents and a subtle earthy note. The whole remains harmonious and refined, with a mouthfeel that expands broadly without becoming heavy.

Color, aroma and taste of the 2023 Pavie Macquin

The wine opens with an expressive aroma of sweet raspberries, cherries, and plums, followed by spicy notes and a light hint of creamy wood. With further aeration, a floral character emerges, with notes of iris and rose petal, complemented by a subtle earthy undertone.

On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, rich yet refined, with a deep core of fruit and lively, mouth-filling acidity. The tannins are powdery and precise, enveloping the fruit almost seamlessly. The texture is creamy on the attack, after which the wine continues fresh and energetic. The finish is long, elegant, and broad, with notes of red fruit, spice, and a subtle mineral note.

What's striking about this 2023 is that it shows more elegance and refinement than the previous vintage, while still offering impressive depth. The balance of concentration, freshness, and structure makes this a standout wine within the vintage. According to Suckling (99/100)—perhaps "The Best Ever"

Storage potential and expected evolution

The structure, tension, and aromatic intensity point to a wine with considerable longevity. In its early years, it will primarily display charm and youthful energy, but from 2028 onward, the wine will open up further, revealing more layers of black fruit, spice, and floral complexity. With its combination of low pH, ripeness, and precise tannins, this 2023 vintage is among those wines that can easily develop well beyond 2050.

Would you like to order wines from Château Pavie Macquin online?

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 these 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 "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings at the 2023 Pavie Macquin

Grilled rack of lamb with rosemary and black garlic
The earthy intensity and spices complement the deep fruit and powdery tannins perfectly.

Entrecote with mushroom jus and tarragon
The rich structure of the meat suits the concentration of the wine, while the fresh acidity brings balance.

Veal cheek stew with carrot and orange zest
The soft texture and citrus accents enhance the lively tension of the wine.

Roasted eggplant with miso and sesame
The savoury depth of miso complements the dark fruit and spiciness.

Pasta with wild mushrooms and fresh herbs
Umami and aromatic complexity enhance the floral and earthy nuances in the wine.

Duck with cherry jus and roasted parsnips
The combination of ripe red fruit and juicy structure comes together beautifully with the elegance of the wine.