Le Pape's 7th vintage under the Haut-Bailly umbrella, now well and truly into its stride. This is structured and intense, the raspberry fruit ripe and rich with pencil lead and ash giving balance, and a fresh lift that makes it overall super friendly and inviting. Harvest September 30 to October 11.
94 points, Decanter (May 2020)
Richly velvet with ripe tannins, this is a very accessible wine. Its ripe blackberry fruits are generous, full of spice and a texture that is rounded and brings concentration. The juicy character of the vintage comes through at the end,
93 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (Oct 2022)
Wonderfully floral, Provencal-like aromas of lavender and roses with some stones. Full-bodied with round, creamy tannins and a fresh finish. Lively and bright. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet sauvignon. Tasty and very drinkable now, but will age beautifully, too.
93 points, James Suckling (Feb 2022)
This is such a great wine to know about. Full of finessed pencil lead and liquorice, cassis and autumnal berry fruits. Elegant, with lilting acidity without sacrificing a creamy feel through the mid-palate, and really does feel like it is part of the Haut-Bailly family. Harvest September 30 to October 11.
93 points, Jane Anson (Jan 2022)
The 2019 Le Pape is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it jumps with vivacious scents of kirsch, redcurrants, and stewed plums plus hints of spice cake, Sichuan pepper, and tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has generous black fruit preserves and peppery sparks with a soft texture and spritely, lifted finish.
93 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (May 2022)
Coming from the team at Château Haut-Bailly, the 2019 Château Le Pape (80/20 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) has a great nose of redcurrants, tobacco, spicy oak, and loamy earth. Nicely textured, medium to full-bodied, textured, and undeniably delicious, drink this stellar Pessac-Léognan over the coming 10-15 years.
92 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Apr 2022)
The 2019 Le Pape has a vivid bouquet of blackberry and raspberry scents, conveying the purity of a fine Burgundy, as I noted out of barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and plenty of tarry black fruit, but less creamy than before, revealing more structure and grip on the sappy, licorice-tinged finish. Give this 5–7 years in bottle.
92 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Feb 2022)