Château Pavie Macquin 2012

"Another wine made by the superstar guru Nicolas Thienpont, this well-situated property of 37 acres on the high clay/limestone plateau in St.-Emilion has produced a blend of 84 % Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. A masculine, virile style of wine with an inky deep purple color, lots of crème de cassis and crushed rock and high tannin. This is thick and powerful, with a layered mouthfeel, good purity, earthiness and spice. Forget it for 4-5 years and drink if over the following two decades." - Robert Parker Jr, The Wine Advocate (4/29/2015, Issue 218) Ratings: 93+, Drink: 2019-2040

"A dense blue/black color is accompanied by notes of creosote, graphite, black fruits, vanillin, chocolate and tapenade. Rich, concentrated and full-bodied, it has a spicy, compacted, layered mouthfeel. Given how past vintages seemed to close down after bottling, this beauty will probably need 5-6 years of cellaring and keep for two decades or more.  A stunning blend of 85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2012 Pavie Macquin came in at 14.4% natural alcohol. This vineyard, which enjoys a tremendous terroir high on the plateau above Pavie Decesse, is planted in pure limestone and clay soils. The harvest took place between October 17-18." - Robert Parker Jr, The Wine Advocate (4/24/2013, Issue 206)  Ratings: 92-95, Drink: 2018-2038