he 2019 Pavie Macquin has turned out very well indeed, unwinding in the glass with aromas of blackcurrants, cherries, burning embers, black truffle and licorice, framed by a deft framing of new oak that's more discreet than was the case even a few vintages back. Full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it's deep and layered, with a strikingly vibrant core of fruit, powdery, chalky tannins and a long, penetrating, youthfully firm finish. Tasted alongside older vintages, it's clear that the Thienpont team have eased off extraction, which allows the quality of fruit that this fantastic vineyard produces to express itself all the more completely, delivering the finest Pavie Macquin since 1998.

A blend of 78% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Pavie Macquin is deep garnet-purple in color. It bursts with expressive blackberries, boysenberries, and ripe plum scents plus hints of dried mint, cast-iron pan and wood smoke. Full-bodied, rich and powerful in the mouth, it has amazing tension and velvety tannins, finishing very long.