2016 ESPRIT de PAVIE BORDEAUX Esprit de Pavie made its debut in 2008, created by the visionary Gerard Perse, who is also the owner of world-famous estates such as Chateau Pavie, Chateau Monbousquet, Chateau Pavie-Decesse, and Chateau Bellevue-Mondotte. The wine receives the same care and attention as its illustrious sister properties, ensuring a high-quality level for each bottle produced. Esprit de Pavie arose from southern-facing slopes in the valleys of the Dordogne, characterized by sandy and gravelly foothills, clay hillsides, and a clay-limestone plateau. This classic regional blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon came from one of Bordeaux's best vintages and spent just the right amount of time maturing in the bottle for more complex flavor development and a softer tannin structure. The wine is a "total charmer," as Jeb Dunnuck writes, and it's also an incredible value. "The entry-level wine of the estate is the 2016 Esprit de Pavie, which is primarily Merlot blended with 30% Cabernet Franc, coming from Saint Emilion and the Castillon region. This total charmer has a sweet bouquet of black cherries, licorice, and spice to go with a mouthfilling, pure, balanced style on the palate that’s already delicious. It certainly has estate character and is ideal for enjoying over the coming decade or so. I’d happily drink bottles." 90 Points