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Owned by the Paul Avril family, Clos des Papes is cited as one of the World's Greatest Estates by Robert Parker in his essential book by the same name. Planted to 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 5% other varietals, the average age of the vines is 40 years. 'Clos des Papes has always been considered one of the appellation's reference-point wines. The objective here is the maximum expression of terroir. Only one red and one white are produced, as the Avrils do not believe in making a luxury cuvée, saying that anything of lesser quality is sold in bulk to négociants. The Avril family has been making wine in Châteauneuf-du-Pape since the beginning of the 18th century. The current master of ceremonies is Paul Avril, now aided by his talented son, Vincent. The Clos des Papes wines are brilliant!' Robert Parker
Wine Spectator
Sinewy and reserved, with a light dusting of cocoa powder over the tangy damson plum, red licorice and cassis notes. The long, supple finish, with a lovely wafting note of Lapsang souchong tea, is packed with minerality and tight-grained tannins that will need time to fully evolve. One of the more backward 2009s, though this should pick up steam in the cellar. Best from 2013 through 2025. From France.—J.M.
Score: 96.
Wine Advocate
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. This should turn out to be a mid-90-point wine that will take a back seat to the 2007, possibly even to their monumental 2006, but will surpass what they did in 2008, 2005, 2004, 1999 and 1998. The 2009 is a beautiful success that should drink well for 15+ years. Score range: 92-95
Score: 95.
—Robert Parker,
October
2010.
International Wine Cellar
Intensely perfumed cherry, garrigue and flowers on the nose, plus notes of licorice and smoky Moroccan spices. At once fleshy and sappy, with incisive, spicy red fruit flavors complicated by herbs and floral pastilles. Finishes spicy and with superb intensity, echoing the spice and floral notes emphatically. This sample was a blend from five of Avril's giant, mostly old foudres Avril averred that "14.5% alcohol is the jumping off point for high-quality grenache, any less and the flavors aren't complete. This should be just above that so it will be fresh and balanced."
Score: 93.
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Price:$149.00 Sale$119.00 Save $30.00 (20%) SKU01860 |  |
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