Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape 2019

Winery Background and History:

Clos des Papes, founded in 1893 and family‑owned in Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape, manages 25 ha across 24 parcels. Practicing traditional and biodynamic viticulture, the estate ages its wines in neutral oak and cement to preserve authenticity. Their red Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape is lauded for elegance, balance, and longevity, consistently recognized as a benchmark of the region 

Producer and Wine Maker:

Under Paul‑Vincent Avril’s guidance, the 2019 vintage was parcel‑fermented in stainless steel before aging in neutral oak foudres for around 18 months. The final blend balances Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and permitted varieties to showcase finesse, concentration, and terroir expression ()

Vineyards and Micro Climate:

Vineyards are situated on south‑facing galets roulés, clay, and sandy soils, cooled by mistral winds. The 2019 season featured a rainy winter followed by hot, dry summer, ideal for producing wines with powerful aromatics, lush fruit, and full ripeness 

Vinification & Aging Methods:

Grapes are destemmed and fermented separately by parcel. After fermentation, the wine ages in large neutral oak foudres for about 18 months before blending and further bottle aging to achieve integrated structure and seamless tannins ()

Tasting Notes:

Deep ruby with garnet rim. Aromas of black cherry, plum, incense, black tea, crushed herbs, and garrigue. Palate is full‑bodied, elegant, with polished tannins, flavors of cassis, spice, graphite, and earthy complexity. Finish is long, refined, and resonant 

Food & Wine Pairing:

Ideal with roast lamb, venison with juniper, beef stew, charcuterie, truffle dishes, and aged hard cheeses. Its sumptuous structure and savory depth balance well with rich and umami‑driven cuisines

Service Methods and Temperatures:

Serve at 16 °C in large Bordeaux glasses to emphasize aromatics and soften tannins. Decant for approximately 1 hour to promote aromatic and textural development

Storage and Aging Potential:

Cellar at 12–14 °C with moderate humidity. The wine is expected to evolve gracefully through 2040 and beyond, developing tertiary notes of leather, game, dried herbs, forest floor, while retaining freshness and structure

Grape Varietals & percentage used:

Grenache 65 % · Mourvèdre 20 % · Syrah 10 % · Other permitted varieties 5 % 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume):

16 % ()

Scores:

James Dunnuck Wine Advocate: 98 points 

Wine Spectator: 97 points 

Robert Parker Wine Advocate: 97+ points