Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape 2010
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.
Wine Advocate
The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape flirts with perfection. A classic blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and the rest Syrah, Vaccarese and Counoise, all aged in large foudres in Clos des Papes's air-conditioned and humidity-controlled wine cellar, the wine boasts a dense purple color along with lots of gorgeously pure black raspberry, black currant and kirsch liqueur notes intermixed with notions of spring flowers, tapenade, licorice and spice box. This dense, full-bodied, powerful Chateauneuf is also remarkably fresh and well-delineated. It even exceeded the 2007 in natural alcohol, coming in at 15.9%. With an extraordinary texture and considerable tannin in the finish, it will benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age, and is built for 25-30 years of cellaring. Don't miss it!
Score: 99.
—Robert Parker,
October
2012.
Wine Spectator
Lots of cocoa powder and coffee frame a massive block of dark plum, black currant and fig fruit, while massively endowed tannins stride from start to finish. Cassis, anise and Lapsang souchong tea notes hang in the background for now, but should emerge more with extended cellaring. The very dark, almost brooding finish is dominated by charcoal-coated grip, but the purity still wins out in the end. A very, very large wine. Best from 2017 through 2035. 5,600 cases made.
Score: 98.
—James Molesworth,
October
31,
2012.
International Wine Cellar
Tasted first in components, then from a cask that Avril figures to roughly approximate the final blend. #1: About 80% grenache. Bright and assertively perfumed, with intense red berry character and sneaky florality. Silky and smooth, with sweet raspberry and cherry flavors and good back-end cut. #2: "Lots of syrah and mourvedre," according to Avril. Deeper and darker in character, offering intense blackberry and cherry scents and flavors. Tannins give grip to the long, spicy finish. #3: "About two-thirds grenache, then all of the others," said Avril. Intense red fruit and floral aromas, with a hint of smoke. Powerful but lithe, showing impressive depth and a seamless texture. #4: 50% grenache, 30% mourvedre and 20% syrah and "all of the other permitted red varieties": Avril says that this cask is representative of where he thinks the 2010 will ultimately wind up by the time it gets into bottle. Opaque ruby. A heady, expressive bouquet of red and dark fruit preserves, incense and garrigue, with a spicy accent. Juicy and sharply focused, offering vibrant raspberry and cherry flavors that pick up weight with air. Closes on a lively, spicy note, with excellent clarity and lingering sweetness. Score range 94-96.
Score: 96.
—Josh Raynolds,
February
01,
2012.
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
Artwork does not necessarily represent items for sale.
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