Clos des Papes
About Clos des Papes
The Rhône is a fascinating region. Divided into Northern and Southern, it is populated by incredible estates who each produce a tremendous variety of cuvées, single-vineyard expressions, special releases, old vine pressings and many more! One legendary estate, deep in the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is far more focused and singular in its approach, producing only one Rouge, and one Blanc - Clos des Papes.
Two generations of the Avril family, Paul and Vincent, have carved out something of a niche for their wonderful estate in the famous Southern Rhône appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. If you were to ask for a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc from another producer, any number of labels could be presented to you. Ask for Clos des Papes Blanc, and two things are guaranteed - you know which wine to expect, and you won't be disappointed.
Clos des Papes has been considered a "benchmark" estate in the Sothern Rhône for many years, and it is, in the eyes of Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate), "a marvel of consistent quality". The hugely impressive and wonderfully mature 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a true testament to the age-ability and overall quality of this sensational bottling.
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rhone | 1 | 98 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£292.80 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (98)Really tight now, but packed with dark fig, currant, espresso, licorice and chocolate notes. Superfleshy but seriously structured, there's layer after layer of sweet spice, fruit and minerality pumping through the finish, with lots of latent depth and power. Far more backward than the 2003 or 2004 on release, but since this red typically puts on weight as it ages, it should be a monster--à la the 1990--when it reaches its peak. Best from 2009 through 2030. 7,500 cases made. -JM |
|||||||||
|
Rhone | 1 | 95 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,569.60 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (95)A vintage that Avril is selling to restaurants as he thinks it's drinking beautifully (and I agree), the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc has superb freshness and minerality in its honeyed, hazelnut, licorice and stone fruit-driven bouquet. Layered, pure and balanced, with both freshness and richness, it will continue to evolve nicely, but there's no need to hold off. |
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rhone | 1 | 98 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£292.80 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (98)Really tight now, but packed with dark fig, currant, espresso, licorice and chocolate notes. Superfleshy but seriously structured, there's layer after layer of sweet spice, fruit and minerality pumping through the finish, with lots of latent depth and power. Far more backward than the 2003 or 2004 on release, but since this red typically puts on weight as it ages, it should be a monster--à la the 1990--when it reaches its peak. Best from 2009 through 2030. 7,500 cases made. -JM |
|||||||||
|
Rhone | 1 | 95 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,569.60 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (95)A vintage that Avril is selling to restaurants as he thinks it's drinking beautifully (and I agree), the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc has superb freshness and minerality in its honeyed, hazelnut, licorice and stone fruit-driven bouquet. Layered, pure and balanced, with both freshness and richness, it will continue to evolve nicely, but there's no need to hold off. |