New proprietor, Gerard Perse, had the unenviable task of trying to sell the 1996 Pavie-Decesse, the last vintage made under the old regime. The wine is pleasant, but there is very little to it. Moreover, the dry tannin in the finish suggests that graceful aging will be almost impossible. The overall impression is one of leanness, high tannin, and not enough fruit or concentration. This wine has no place to go but down. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2007.