Chateau Pavie

In the year 2012, a monumental event unfolded in the prestigious wine region of St-Emilion: Chateau Pavie was elevated to the esteemed status of: Premier Grand Cru Classé A, an extraordinary achievement after holding the title of Premier Grand Cru Classe B since 1954. This well-deserved recognition bore testament to the relentless dedication and hard work of its visionary owner, Gerard Perse, who transformed Pavie into one of Bordeaux's most magnificent terroirs. Perse's journey with Chateau Pavie began in 1998, and since then, he has spared no expense in restoring this historically significant property, earning it the revered title of "first growth" on Bordeaux's Right Bank. The journey of Chateau Pavie under Perse's guidance has been nothing short of awe-inspiring, with sixteen 100-point scores achieved, and the wine continuously evolving into a liquid masterpiece. As a result, Pavie has gained universal recognition as one of the world's most exceptional wine producers.

Renovation & Restoration

Gerard Perse's reign in Bordeaux commenced in 1993 with the acquisition of Chateau Monbousquet, a prelude to what would become his crown jewel, Chateau Pavie, five years later. Upon taking ownership, Perse wasted no time and embarked on an immediate renovation of the Chateau and its vineyards. Extensive replanting, coupled with meticulous care and attention, was required to revive the vineyards to their former glory. Chateau Pavie's winemaking facilities, which underwent another two-year renovation that began in 2011, demonstrate Perse's commitment to staying at the forefront of modern winemaking practices. Perse's dedication to restoring Pavie's greatness knows no bounds, as evidenced by his unwavering efforts to maintain the estate's brilliance.

The Grand Vineyard

Today, Chateau Pavie's vineyard sprawls across more than 110 acres, with a majority gracing St-Emilion's prestigious limestone plateau. When Perse initially took over, the vineyard was in a state of disrepair, with 32,000 vines missing, representing approximately 15 percent of the entire vineyard that required replanting. During the replanting process, Perse implemented strategic shifts in certain rows to optimize airflow and sun exposure. In total, almost forty percent of Pavie's vineyards have been replanted since Perse's ownership.

Chateau Pavie boasts the most extensive vineyard among Premier Grand Cru Classe A estates. This vast expanse comprises one large, continuous block divided into 21 different parcels, each possessing its own micro-climate and distinct soil variations. The vineyard's elevation varies significantly, ranging from 360 feet at its peak, sloping down to 65 feet at its base, providing natural drainage that profoundly benefits the vines. The average vine age stands at 50 years, with 70% of the vineyard farmed organically and an ultimate aim to achieve a 100% organically farmed vineyard.

Driving Pavie's Triumphs

A key factor in Chateau Pavie's success has been the steadfast continuity of its winemaking team. For over two decades, the trio of technical director Laurent Lusseau, maître de chai Jean-Baptiste Pion, and consulting winemaker Michel Rolland have been working hand in hand, propelling Chateau Pavie to the elite echelons of Bordeaux's esteemed estates.

Centuries of Excellence

Chateau Pavie's rich history dates back to the Roman era, with its first vines planted in the fourth century. However, it was not until the 19th century that Pavie gained a reputable status when it was named a first growth by "Bordeaux et ses vins," an influential publication by Cocks and Feret in 1850. In 1954, the Chateau was officially classified as Premier Grand Cru Classe B during St-Emilion's inaugural classification under the Valette family's stewardship. Eventually, Gerard Perse acquired the estate from the Valette family, etching his name into the estate's storied past.

Rise to the Top

Under Perse's visionary direction, Chateau Pavie has elevated its standards from being one of the top estates on Bordeaux's right bank to reaching the pinnacle of its potential. Both figuratively and literally, Perse has transformed this estate, optimizing every aspect to produce world-class wine. With the unwavering support of a steadfast winemaking team and the expert guidance of Michel Rolland, Chateau Pavie has reached remarkable heights, as evidenced by three consecutive 100-point wines from 2018 to 2020.

Today, Chateau Pavie stands as one of the world's most exceptional wine producers, deserving a revered place in the cellars of collectors and connoisseurs worldwide. Whether you are a seasoned collector or an aspiring connoisseur, adding Chateau Pavie to your wine venture is a decision worthy of acclaim. With its rich history, dedication to excellence, and visionary leadership of Gerard Perse, Chateau Pavie continues to shine as a beacon of greatness in the realm of fine wines.

Written by: Craig Headding

Notes from Robert Parker:

Pavie is widely acclaimed as one of Bordeaux’s greatest terroirs, of largely limestone and clay soils. Brilliantly situated with a sunny, southern exposure and exceptional drainage, Pavie potentially rivals nearby Ausone, the oldest and possibly the most famous estate in Bordeaux. Pavie’s other nearby neighbors include, Pavie-Macquin and Troplong-Mondot to the north, Larcis-Ducasse to the southeast and La Gaffelière and Saint-Georges Côte Pavie to the west. Until 1978, previous owners rarely produced great wine, but of course that all changed with the acquisition of the 92-acre, single vineyard by Chantal and Gérard Perse. In short, they dramatically raised the quality. A perfectionist, owner Gérard Perse is flexible with the percentage of new oak, as well as how long the wine is aged in cask. The resulting wine has been considered one of the superstars of Bordeaux since 1978.