This property was purchased in 1998 by Gérard Perse who also owns PAVIE DECESSE and MONBOUSQUET. Quality was formerly variable but substantial investment in the cellars is bringing greater consistency. However, the Perse wines and particularly Pavie have become the most controversial of the new wave of late-harvested and highly extracted reds which focus on opulence and concentration perhaps more than elegance or purity. Achieving a balance of the two is what marks the greatest of the new wave. Pavie is increasingly very late harvested and more akin to a full-blown Napa red than a classical Saint-Emilion of the old school. If you are a fan of rich and concentrated reds with massive extract and not inconsiderable alcohol then this will appeal, otherwise you may prefer to look elsewhere. There is no doubting the commitment to quality, with a modern and sophisticated approach to vinification and minimal handling in the cellars. Prior to 1998 the wines were adequate at best with only the earlier vintages of 1990, 89, 86 and 82 being of real note.
