Clos des Papes: Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Clos des Papes is one of the great established names of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and in recent years has produced a succession of remarkable wines made by Paul-Vincent Avril.

For the red Chateauneuf, Clos des Papes uses up to 20% of Mourvedre in the blend. Grenache and Syrah are the other main components at around 50% and 10% respectively, with the balance being a mix of all the other permitted varieties. Clos des Papes is one of the few estates to use all permitted varieties for both red and white Chateauneuf. They are well-known for producing one of the most authentic and long-lived examples of the appellation having started estate bottling in 1896. The white Chateauneuf-du-Pape also ages extremely well providing great drinking pleasure for 20 years or more. It is made from almost equal percentages of all the permitted white varieties. The property has today 32 ha. 3 ha. is with white varieties. 24 different parcels are spread around the town. A parcel is nearby the pope’s castle and has been surrounded by walls (clos). From here came the name of the domain. These wines are very limited and always in high demand.

Producer of the Year 2010 Paul –Vincent Avril CLOS DES PAPES , Le Grand Guide des Vins de France 2010—Bettane & Desseauve

2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge – SOLD OUT

“I tasted through various foudres of the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape and it is unquestionably a top-flight wine for Clos des Papes that is seductive and forward by the standards of this estate. It reminded me of the precocious style of the 2003, and Avril told me the 2009 is less alcoholic than either the 2003 or 2007, and the pH is a normal 3.75. Yields were a very small 20 hectoliters per hectare, largely because of their selection process and the drought. Every foudre I tasted was beautifully pure displaying a deep ruby/plum color, sweet kirsch and black raspberry fruit, full body, decent acidity (they never acidify here) and sweet, velvety tannins.” Robert Parker—The Wine Advocate #191 October 2010

2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge – very limited

“The 2003 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape (the # 2 wine in the Wine Spectator’s annual winefest) has long been one of the most profound wines of the vintage. It somehow manages to offer the vintage’s character in power, high glycerin, and huge volume, but retains remarkable elegance and finesse that is so much in keeping with the style of Clos des Papes. Still primary, it looks set to have a long life of 20-25 or more years.”  Wine Advocate Feb 2006

2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc – very limited

A brilliant year for the southern Rhone whites giving wines of freshness and ample acid structure to balance their depth and intensity. Will age superbly.

 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc – very limited

“One of the best white wines of the appellation is made at Clos des Papes, the non-malolactic yet full-bodied and powerful 2004 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape blanc. Notes of white peaches, pears, citrus oil, and honeysuckle are present in the medium to full-bodied, fleshy 2004. It shows good acidity and a lively, vibrant mouthfeel. Drink it over the next 4-5 years, although some vintages have an amazing ability to last much longer.” Wine Advocate Feb 2006

Petit vin d’Avril rouge – Grenache based blend of 2010 from tank and ‘09 from barrel this is clearly the best issue yet of this amazing value red blend.

Petit vin d’Avril Blanc – Blend of 98% Marsanne and 2% Chardonnay tank fermented and matured on lees for 5 months. Perfumed fleshy and textural.