2010 - Chateau Pavie Macquin

"Although not as potent alcoholically as its 2009 counterpart (14.5% in 2010 versus 15% in 2009), the 2010 is still a very big wine. The final blend was 85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon and production was slightly more than 3,400 cases. This black/purple-tinged wine exhibits lots of minerality (from this terroir_s clay and limestone soils) as well as the entire spectrum of black fruits. Full-bodied and backward, it_s like drinking crushed limestone/chalk when you taste this intense, tannic, powerful wine. It will require 8-10 years of cellaring and should evolve for 35-40+ years."

"This is flashy, with overt blueberry, fig and boysenberry aromas and flavors, but plenty of polish and poise too, thanks to alluring incense and licorice notes. There's lots of range and grip. Really beautiful. "