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 | |||||
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Rhone | 1 | 94-97 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,322.98 |
|||||
Vinous - Josh Raynolds (94-97)Foudre #1 (the fine one, according to Avril): Bright red. Intense strawberry and raspberry on the nose, with subtle garrigue and minerals adding complexity. Silky red fruit flavors show seductive spice and floral pastille qualities. Finishes with great persistence. Foudre #2 (the tannic one): Ruby-red. Bright red fruit aromas, with a deep undercurrent of licorice adding seriousness. The palate shows very spicy bitter cherry and dark berry liqueur flavors, chewy tannic grip and a long, vibrant finish. If this is Avril's idea of tannic in 2006, the final wine should be a supple beauty. Foudre #3 (the concentrated one, from 80-year-old vines cropped at15 hl/ha): Inky ruby. Rich cherry and cassis aromas, with a deep tapenade quality adding complexity. Sappy, sweet and packing major dark berry punch, this clocks in at 16.5% alcohol, but there's no obvious heat. An approximate blend: I hate doing this, but why not, said Avril, who doesn't believe that on-the-spot blends are accurate reflections of what winds up in the bottle. But this was his idea, not mine! Dark ruby. Powerful kirsch and blackcurrant aromas, with exotic licorice and fresh floral character expanding with air. Pliant dark berry and bitter cherry flavors carry through the long, sappy finish. A balanced, sweet powerhouse from this vantage point, with the concentration to age for at least a decade or two. |
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rhone | 1 | 94-97 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,064.00 |
|||||
Vinous - Josh Raynolds (94-97)Foudre #1 (the fine one, according to Avril): Bright red. Intense strawberry and raspberry on the nose, with subtle garrigue and minerals adding complexity. Silky red fruit flavors show seductive spice and floral pastille qualities. Finishes with great persistence. Foudre #2 (the tannic one): Ruby-red. Bright red fruit aromas, with a deep undercurrent of licorice adding seriousness. The palate shows very spicy bitter cherry and dark berry liqueur flavors, chewy tannic grip and a long, vibrant finish. If this is Avril's idea of tannic in 2006, the final wine should be a supple beauty. Foudre #3 (the concentrated one, from 80-year-old vines cropped at15 hl/ha): Inky ruby. Rich cherry and cassis aromas, with a deep tapenade quality adding complexity. Sappy, sweet and packing major dark berry punch, this clocks in at 16.5% alcohol, but there's no obvious heat. An approximate blend: I hate doing this, but why not, said Avril, who doesn't believe that on-the-spot blends are accurate reflections of what winds up in the bottle. But this was his idea, not mine! Dark ruby. Powerful kirsch and blackcurrant aromas, with exotic licorice and fresh floral character expanding with air. Pliant dark berry and bitter cherry flavors carry through the long, sappy finish. A balanced, sweet powerhouse from this vantage point, with the concentration to age for at least a decade or two. |