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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
Described as “one of the great terroirs in Bordeaux” by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, here’s a fantastic opportunity for fans of opulently styled, Left Bank blends to stock up on some of the top scoring recent vintages of the iconic Chateau Pape Clement, including both the red and white Grand Vin and the estate’s outstanding "second" Le Clementin Rouge, all highly rated Pessac-Leognan wines known for their impeccable balance and elegance and now available at unbeatable pricing.
Among the oldest Bordeaux estates dating back to the 13th century, Chateau Pape Clement employs a mix of traditional methods and state of the art technology to craft its terroir-expressive wines under the direction of innovative owner Bernard Magrez and famed enologist Michel Rolland, the neo-Gothic Left Bank Chateau surrounded by 60 hectares of vineyards sharing the deep gravel soils and unique microclimate of neighboring First Growth Haut-Brion. Produced with the same care and methods as the Grand Vin, the elegant Merlot-dominated 92 pt. Le Clementin de Pape Clement offers “a glimpse into the personality of Pape Clement” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous from “a fabulous vintage for Bordeaux,” while Jeb Dunnuck describes the “impeccable” 94 pt. 2018 Le Clementin as “gorgeous” with “loads of upfront charm,” both superb values and ready to enjoy over the next decade. Calling it “about as sexy as it gets in the vintage,” Jeb Dunnuck describes the opulent 98 pt. 2016 Chateau Pape Clement as “perfectly balanced” while the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth labels it “plush and suave through the finish” with a “cashmere-textured style.” Boasting “fantastic concentration and seamless integration” according to James Suckling, the muscular 99 pt. 2018 Chateau Pape Clement is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, described as “a powerful, massively textured wine” by the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss with a long-lived, mineral-driven finish that’s built to age for over three decades according to the Wine Advocate’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown. Equally renowned for their exceptional Bordeaux Blanc, the bright and aromatic 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc is “beautifully complex and well-put together” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, a refreshing, elegant blend of mostly Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon that’s “drinking well out of the gates” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley and is set to evolve over the next 15 years or more.
From the overachieving Le Clementin de Pape Clement boasting the pedigree of the Grand Vin at a fraction of the price, to the opulently styled Pape Clement Rouge built for decades of aging and the impressive, multi-layered Pape Clement Bordeaux Blanc that’s a must for collectors of the world’s best white wines, these top scoring selections boast a “sense of confidence that is the signature of the property” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, each uniquely reflecting their outstanding Pessac-Leognan terroir and all equally outstanding values promising enjoyment for years to come. |
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Blackcurrant, pine cone, walnut, crushed gravel and dried flowers on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Sleek and refined. Try from 2023.
94 points, James Suckling (Mar 2021)
With its structure balanced by textured black-currant fruits and acidity, this is an attracrtive second wine. Poise and freshness are matched by the tannins and dry core. Drink the wine from 2023.
93 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (May 2021)
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Clémentin de Pape Clement strides confidently out of the glass with classic scents of ripe blackcurrants, juicy black plums and cedar chest, plus touches of graphite, bay leaves, unsmoked cigars and espresso. The medium-bodied, elegantly styled palate (13.5% alcohol) has a lot of grace and presence for a second wine, featuring finely grained tannins and seamless freshness to support the bright, black fruit flavors, finishing on a minerally note.
92 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Apr 2021)
The 2018 Clémentin de Pape Clément is so expressive. Crushed rose petal, gravel, spice, tobacco and smoke all open in the glass. Medium in body, with striking aromatic presence and terrific persistence, the 2018 is just impeccable. The Clémentin is an understated wine with a ton of character. It's a gorgeous second wine from Pape Clément and Bernard Magrez.
92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Mar 2021)