2019 Pape Clement
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Tasting notes
Concentrated dark berry and brooding earthy aromas. Dense tannin structure, high concentration, textured but resolved. The ripe richness of fruit on the palate is really impressive – lovely detailed fresh blackcurrant cassis, blackberry jam balances well with the high tannin content. Fruit is pristine producing an exceptional Pape Clement with its signature muscle backed by impressive concentration and clarity to the fruit. Some nice gravelly minerality on the finish too.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Decanter
More reviews and scores
This shows attractive aromas and flavors of chocolate, walnuts, wet earth, mushrooms and berries with full-body, round and refined tannins and a subtle, focused finish. Excellent length, in a sophisticated way. Chewy at the end.
Continuing the strong performance of Pape Clement over recent vintages. Violet edging around the glass, and a supple tannic hold that both constricts and expands the fruit through the palate, giving a sense of momentum. There is a firm tannic grip, given drama by notes of black pepper and bitter chocolate, and a slate textured finish to slow things down and hold the flavour. Malolactic fermentation in barrels (60%) new, and ageing in both barrels (90%) and larger oak casks. Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc are planted in the vineyard, but not yet in the 1st wine. Certified bee-friendly. Tasted twice, two weeks apart, excellent both times.
The 2019 Pape-Clément was picked from 17 September to 10 October, underwent a 30 day maceration. Matured in 90% oak barrels and 10% wooden foudres for 18 months. It has a very perfumed bouquet with luscious black cherries and boysenberry fruit, touches of raspberry preserve and crème de cassis. The palate is full-bodied and quite muscular, exerting a firm grip and displaying plenty of tobacco-tinged black fruit that dovetails into a more saline, marine influenced finish. This is a very serious Pape-Clément that will require longer ageing than its peers, but will surely be rewarding for those with patience. Tasted on five occasions - hopefully there is some wine left back at the château.
About the producer
Among the oldest estates in Bordeaux, Ch. Pape Clément has been guided into the modern era by Bernard Magrez, who has managed the estate since 1985. It makes some of the best reds in the region.