The 2011s are starting to open up and, given the general ho-hum view of the vintage, offer surprising quality and pleasure. The 2011 Pavie Decesse is the normal blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc and offers a more evolved, approachable style compared to the primordial 2010. Blackcurrants, white truffle, lead pencil, new leathers, and loads of spice dominate the bouquet, and it’s beautifully complex and full-bodied, with present yet ripe tannins and a great finish. It’s a gorgeous, mineral-laced Saint-Emilion to drink over the coming two decades or so.Jeb Dunnuck | 95 JDThis well-known estate situated on the limestone hillside above Pavie is produced from a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Another brilliant offering from the Perse family, the dense opaque purple-colored 2011 reveals plenty of floral notes intermixed with super-concentrated cassis and kirsch. The chalky limestone soils provide minerality to this full-bodied, powerful, concentrated St.-Emilion. Some tannins are noticeable, but they are sweet. This 2011 should be drinkable in 3-4 years and last for 15-20.Robert Parker | 94+ RPOffers driven fruit, with intense plum sauce, blackberry confiture and blueberry paste flavors, layered together and stitched with dark mocha and tobacco notes, all backed by a long, dense, velvet-textured finish. A showy style, but everything is in place. Best from 2016 through 2028. 580 cases made.Wine Spectator | 93 WSWow. The smoky, berry, nut and ripe-fruit character is impressive in this wine. It’s full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a loads of oak on the finish. Some might find it too much, but it will come together with age. Try in 2018.James Suckling | 93 JS
