2010 Chateau Pavie Saint Emilion Grand Cru [Future Arrival]

Vinous Media (VM)

Bright saturated ruby. Vibrant aromas of cassis, licorice, bitter chocolate, herbs and sexy oak. Tightly wound, primary and uncompromising, conveying a low-pH mouth feel to its medicinal black fruit, espresso and pungent spice and mineral flavors. This wine's superb richness and weight (the label says 14.5% alcohol) are currently hidden by its firm spine. The brooding, youthfully imploded, slightly saline finish builds slowly and inexorably. Lay this beauty down and forget about it for a decade.

Wine Spectactor (WS)

Packed, offering dense but clearly defined layers of blackberry coulis, plum paste and black currant pâte de fruit, intertwined with mouthwatering graphite and Lapsang souchong tea notes. The bramble- and spice-filled finish just won't quit. Despite displaying power and breadth, this features good cut and leaves a mouthwatering impression of purity. Best from 2018 through 2035.

Wine Advocate (WA)

Painfully powerful, backward and super-concentrated, this 2010 is a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon cropped at 26 hectoliters per hectare. The harvest, as usual, was late by the standards of the appellation, occurring between October 12 and October 19. The alcohols are surprisingly modest by 2010 standards, 14.2%. As usual, this is one of the top wines of the vintage, but it needs a good decade of cellaring. It is much more backward and restrained than the 2009 was at the same stage, and seems even more tannic and structured than the 2005. It is a monumental wine for true connoisseurs who have the patience and discipline to cellar it for a good decade. Anticipated maturity: 2025-2060+.