December 16, 2024
Clos des Papes 2019 - 98 Points
Clos des Papes, a historic estate in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, is renowned for crafting some of the appellation’s finest wines. Established in 1896, it has remained a family-run domaine, now overseen by Paul-Vincent Avril. With 35 hectares planted across 24 plots, the estate cultivates Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and other traditional varietals. Known for its elegant, age-worthy wines, Clos des Papes focuses on minimal intervention, emphasizing purity and the unique expression of Chateauneuf-du-Pape’s diverse terroirs.
The 2019 vintage in Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a classical vintage, delivering rich, powerful wines with full-bodied profiles and firm structure. Ripe black fruits, vibrant acidity, and tannic backbone ensure exceptional ageing potential. Drawing comparisons to legendary vintages like 2010 and 1989, the 2019s combine concentration with balance, making them a standout choice for collectors.
The Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2019 is a masterpiece of elegance and complexity. A blend of 45% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, and 5% other varieties, this wine offers aromas of kirsch, incense, and spice. On the palate, it’s rich yet balanced, with silky tannins, vibrant red fruit, and incredible depth. With 98 points from Jeb Dunnuck, it promises a drinking window of two to three decades, showcasing classic Clos des Papes finesse.
Don't miss the chance to secure a true classic for your cellar.
Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2019
98 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
Tasted out of bottle, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a stunning example of this estate as well as the vintage. Gorgeous kirsch, flowery incense, spice box, and garrigue-like notes define the nose, and it hits the palate with classic Clos des Papes elegance and finesse backed up by a great mid-palate, fabulous concentration, and a monster of a finish. Don’t miss this beauty. It can be enjoyed today with incredible pleasure or cellared for two decades.
98 Points | Decanter
Bright and floral on the nose. The tannins are extremely fine, almost imperceptible, but very much present, giving the wine a strong base for long ageing. It's perfectly balanced, long and deep, resulting in a rich but surprisingly classic vintage of Clos des Papes considering the extreme conditions this year. Rich but bright, very complete and pure with no excesses. Vines are typically 30 to 40 years old, spread across 24 parcels. Matured for 12 months in foudres of at least four years of age.
97+ Points | Wine Advocate
Coming in at 16% alcohol (like the 2016), the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape from Clos des Papes carries it comfortably, showing no sign of overt heat or overripeness. Hints of leather and crushed stone appear on the nose, adding a pleasant nuance to the somewhat monolithic black-cherry fruit. It shows less nuance and complexity than the 2020 at this stage but shows plenty of promise, as its concentration is matched by freshness and a long, reasonably elegant, finish. This will likely need some time to come around.