Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape 2020

Winery Background and History:

Clos des Papes was established in 1893 in Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape and spans 25 ha across 24 parcels under the stewardship of the Avril family. The estate is renowned for its traditional and biodynamic practices, aging wines in large neutral oak and cement to preserve terroir purity. Their reds are benchmark expressions of the appellation, celebrated for balance, elegance, and age-worthiness

Producer and Wine Maker:

Led by Paul‑Vincent Avril the 2020 vintage was vinified parcel by parcel in stainless steel and aged in seasoned oak foudres for around 18 months. Blending focuses on balance and refinement, extracting the best from Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and other permitted varieties to create a seamless structure and expressive profile 

Vineyards and Micro Climate:

Fruit is sourced from south-facing parcels planted on galets roulés, clay, and sandy soils exposed to cooling mistral winds. The 2020 season delivered ideal ripening conditions—warm days and cooler nights—preserving freshness and structure with concentrated aromatics ()

Vinification & Aging Methods:

Grapes were destemmed and fermented separately to express terroir nuances. The wine matured in large neutral oak foudres for approximately 18 months before final blending and bottle aging to integrate tannins and ensure finesse

Tasting Notes:

Deep ruby color with a garnet rim. Aromas of dark berries, incense, black tea, crushed herbs, and black licorice. The palate is full‑bodied with polished tannins, flavors of blackberry, cassis, spice, mineral, and earthy garrigue, finishing long and refined 

Food & Wine Pairing:

Pairs beautifully with roast lamb, venison, grilled meats, charcuterie, truffle dishes, and aged cheeses. Its structure and savory complexity complement rich and umami-driven flavors

Service Methods and Temperatures:

Serve at 16 °C in large Bordeaux glasses to accentuate aroma and soften tannins. Decant for approximately 1 hour before serving to open up flavors and texture

Storage and Aging Potential:

Cellared at 12–14 °C with moderate humidity, it will evolve gracefully through 2040 and beyond, gaining tertiary notes of leather, game, dried herbs, and forest floor while maintaining freshness

Grape Varietals & percentage used:

Grenache 55 % · Mourvèdre 30 % · Syrah 10 % · Other permitted varieties 5 % 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume):

15.2 % 

Scores:

Wine Spectator: 97 points 

Jeb Dunnuck: 96 points 

Wine Advocate: 96 points