2020 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The 2020 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a monumental expression of this historic estate's prowess in a magnificent vintage. This profound wine delivers an intense array of black fruits, garrigue, licorice, and Mediterranean herbs, with subtle notes of smoky incense and crushed stones. The palate is remarkably concentrated yet harmonious, showing exceptional depth and power balanced by freshness, with refined tannins and a seemingly endless finish that speaks to its tremendous aging potential.
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Cellared at 55°F & 70% Humidity
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Clos des Papes is a historic estate located in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, established in 1896 by Paul Avril and now considered one of the appellation's most prestigious producers. The estate has remained in family hands for several generations, with Paul Vincent Avril currently at the helm, having taken over from his father Paul in 1988. The domaine's dedication to traditional methods, exceptionally low yields, and meticulous grape selection has earned it a reputation for producing some of the region's most profound and age-worthy wines. Unlike many producers in the region, Clos des Papes produces just two wines each year - their renowned red and white Châteauneuf-du-Pape - focusing all their expertise on these flagship cuvées.
Clos des Papes is situated in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the most prestigious appellation of the southern Rhône Valley. The region is characterized by its Mediterranean climate, with long, hot summers and relatively mild winters, moderated by the strong Mistral wind that helps keep the vines healthy and disease-free. The appellation sits on a plateau north of Avignon, where the elevation and exposure create ideal conditions for ripening the many permitted grape varieties. Châteauneuf-du-Pape was the first French wine region to establish appellation controls in 1923, setting a precedent for the entire AOC system and maintaining strict production guidelines that contribute to its renowned quality.
The terroir of Clos des Papes is exceptional, with 24 separate parcels spread across diverse locations within Châteauneuf-du-Pape, providing a complex tapestry of soil types and exposures. The estate's vineyards feature the region's famous galets roulés - large, heat-retaining pebbles - alongside sandy soils and limestone-clay parcels. This diversity allows each grape variety to find its optimal growing conditions. The average vine age exceeds 50 years, with some parcels over 100 years old, contributing to the wines' concentration and complexity. The domaine practices organic viticulture, certified since 1974, and harvests entirely by hand with multiple passes through the vineyards. The combination of these varied terroirs, old vines, and traditional winemaking methods results in wines that perfectly express the power and elegance of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, characterized by their remarkable depth, aromatic complexity, and ability to age gracefully for decades.
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