Clos des Papes 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape
Item Number: 19 10 765 20
Clos des Papes 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape
Sensational Double 98-Pt CDP from Clos des Papes!
Quick Taste
- 98-Pt, 98-Pt, 97-Pt Rated!!
- Iconic CDP!!
- "A vintage that naturally delivers the kind of fresh, elegant wines that this estate is famous for"
- Limited!!
About Clos des Papes 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape
Famous for its full-bodied, seductive and spicy reds with flavor and aroma characteristics reminiscent of black cherry, baked raspberry, garrigue, olive tapenade, lavender and baking spice, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the leading sub-appellation of the southern Rhône River Valley. Large pebbles resembling river rocks, called "galets" in French, dominate most of the terrain. The stones hold heat and reflect it back up to the low-lying gobelet-trained vines. Though the galets are typical, they are not prominent in every vineyard. Chateau Rayas is the most obvious deviation with very sandy soil.
Paul Avril (1873-1962) was one of the people behind the creation of the appellation. In 1896, he started to sell his wines with the name Clos des Papes. Today the property covers 32 ha. 24 different parcels are spread around the town. One parcel is nearby the pope's castle and has been surrounded by walls (clos). From here came the name of the domain.
This wine is a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah and 5% others, and is aged 12-15 months in foudres.
Decanter scored this wine 98 points saying, "A very Clos des Papes vintage,' says Vincent Avril, and I know what he means - a vintage that naturally delivers the kind of fresh, elegant wines that this estate is famous for. A tasting of several foudres point to a wine with natural, easy balance. The Mourvèdre is excellent here this year, and adds great depth to the fresh and delightful Grenache that has notes of black tea, black cherry and iron. Elegant and very fine."
Wine Advocate scored this wine 98 points saying, "Proprietor Paul-Vincent Avril expects to bottle 100,000 bottles of something approximating this "final blend," tasted out of foudre. A blend of 55% Grenache, 35% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah and other permitted varieties, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape looked exceptional on this day, offering up scents of framboise and kirsch alongside dried flowers and Asian spices. Full-bodied yet weightless, silky and long, this is special stuff, complex and balanced."
Wine Spectator scored this wine 97 points saying, "Beguiling, with a plume of black tea and incense leading off, followed by warmed black cherry reduction, cassis, melted black licorice, warm earth and singed tobacco and garrigue accents. Offers breadth and depth with a seamless feel, capped by a subtle mineral edge that lingers lengthily amid the beautiful fruit. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre."
James Suckling scored this wine 95 points saying, "A fine and poised Chateauneuf-du-Pape with aromas of cassis, candied cherries, dried herbs, baking spices and black pepper. It's full-bodied with finely grained tannins. Velvety and layered with good concentration. It's elegant yet energetic and vibrant, with a flavorful, bright finish."
Wine Details
- Alcohol % 14.3%
- Bottle Size 750 ml
- Wine Type Red
- Country France
- Region Rhône
- Appellation Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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