David Biraud

Meilleur ouvrier de France 2004
Meilleur sommelier de France 2002

Very ripe fruit gives this wine its amazingly profound deep violet color. The aromas are a perfect reflection of the wine's intense color: blackcurrant liqueur and sweet blackberry anchor an attractive aromatic diversity that is lively and spirited, on an underlying foundation of fine oak.

The first impression on the palate is supple and round, leading to a splendid, mouth-filling sensation. This wine is defined by an inviting smoothness, whose generous finish builds on its bright fruitiness, maturity and finesse. Very attractive, with a good, mouth-watering length to heighten the pleasure it affords. The tannin's quality imparts a magnificent intensity for added appeal.

A very charming wine for earlier drinking than other growths, offering full pleasure right now. Its well-built profile displays a young vintage's liveliness that will abate with aeration.

Hold for a further 2 to 3 years before enjoying this wine. A good discovery.

David Biraud

Meilleur ouvrier de France 2004
Meilleur sommelier de France 2002

This 2017 Esprit de Pavie (made with an assemblage of young vines from several Perse vineyards) has a lighter color than earlier vintages, with brilliant shades of ruby and garnet.

The aromatic palette is quite open, with a dazzling assortment of black fruit showing no sign of overripeness; hints of tangy red fruit make a fine and delicate impression.

In the mouth this 2017 shows a round, supple character, with fine, tight tannins providing structure and well-defined elegance.

Refined notes of oak and creamy caramel together with the fruit's ripeness produce a satisfying aromatic complexity. The wine has a pleasing texture, with a medium finish highlighting its lively freshness.

A well-managed vintage whose assemblage displays the Esprit de Pavie style: easy to drink for immediate pleasure. Drink in the next 3 years. Great generosity of character despite the uncertain weather in 2017.

David Biraud

Meilleur ouvrier de France 2004
Meilleur sommelier de France 2002

This wine, an assemblage from young vines, displays a very attractive purple color that is deep, clear and characteristically youthful in appearance. 

Notes of fresh blackberry define an aromatic profile which is clean, fresh and lively, supporting a fine, delicate oak character that subtly respects the wine's fruit.

In the mouth a firm, gripping texture shows off well-incorporated, finely-grained tannins to impart an attractive balance. This wine is fresh, with a long and delicious finish. With time to breathe, its crisp, black-fruit identity and aged character shows this to be a well-crafted wine. The vintage is one which offers immediate pleasure. Drink now, but there's no danger in letting it rest in the cellar for another 2 to 5 years.

David Biraud

Meilleur ouvrier de France 2004
Meilleur ouvrier de France 2002

This vintage's color is a very attractive violet that is intense and enticing. The aromas are crisp, with brilliant fruit that is generous in such a young wine. In the mouth a luscious, round texture envelopes fine, well-incorporated tannins. The wine shows a different style this year, with an emphasis on finesse. Good length and satisfying flavor on the finish are testaments to fine winemaking.

David Biraud

Meilleur ouvrier de France 2004
Meilleur ouvrier de France 2002

The wine's violet color shows youth, freshness and vigor. Its generous aromas display an intense fruitiness, and the first impression in the mouth is of freshness and lively acidity. The fine structure emphasizes finesse over great density and offers mouthwatering tannins on the finish. A tender wine to drink now.

David Biraud

Meilleur ouvrier de France 2004
Meilleur ouvrier de France 2002

The eye is drawn by an intense ruby color. A basketful of ripe black fruit aromas mingle with notes of smoke and fragrant spice for a diverse richness on the nose. In the mouth, round and fleshy sensations are enhanced by a fine body enveloping firm tannins. The finish is mouthwatering and succulent. This is an attractive wine which does honor to its appellation. Enjoy now with grilled meats and other dishes worthy of this wine, like pigeon with black olives, or prime cut of beef coated with toasted sesame seeds.

David Biraud

Meilleur ouvrier de France 2004
Meilleur sommelier de France 2002

Beautiful, brilliant ruby color with undulating highlights. The wine is clean with good intensity, sporting black berry aromas not overshadowed by the oak; a fully open wine. The mid-palate is soft, with a fine, well-developed structure. The acidity is lively and attractive; the tannins are still a little austere but will improve with time. The finish shows warmth and tannic grain in this well made wine which is drinking nicely now. Enjoy with white and red meats like sauteed veal chops with a pan sauce glaze, or sweetbreads and smoked bacon.