Clos des Papes
About Clos des Papes
The Rhône is a fascinating region. Divided into Northern and Southern, it is populated by incredible estates who each produce a tremendous variety of cuvées, single-vineyard expressions, special releases, old vine pressings and many more! One legendary estate, deep in the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is far more focused and singular in its approach, producing only one Rouge, and one Blanc - Clos des Papes.
Two generations of the Avril family, Paul and Vincent, have carved out something of a niche for their wonderful estate in the famous Southern Rhône appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. If you were to ask for a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc from another producer, any number of labels could be presented to you. Ask for Clos des Papes Blanc, and two things are guaranteed - you know which wine to expect, and you won't be disappointed.
Clos des Papes has been considered a "benchmark" estate in the Sothern Rhône for many years, and it is, in the eyes of Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate), "a marvel of consistent quality". The hugely impressive and wonderfully mature 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a true testament to the age-ability and overall quality of this sensational bottling.
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Rhone | 1 | 95 (WA) | HK$13,140.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (95)A vintage that Avril is selling to restaurants as he thinks it's drinking beautifully (and I agree), the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc has superb freshness and minerality in its honeyed, hazelnut, licorice and stone fruit-driven bouquet. Layered, pure and balanced, with both freshness and richness, it will continue to evolve nicely, but there's no need to hold off. |
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Rhone | 1 | 94-95 (VN) | HK$8,580.00 | |||||
Vinous (94-95)Vivid straw-yellow. Highly perfumed citrus and orchard fruit and floral qualities on the mineral-accented nose. Shows excellent concentration as well as vivacity, offering palate-staining pear, Meyer lemon and brioche flavors that stretch out steadily with air. The floral and mineral elements return emphatically on the intense, sharply focused finish, which lingers with serious persistence. |
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Rhone | 1 | 94+ (WA) | HK$9,910.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (94+)The medium to full-bodied 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc boasts impressive concentration and richness, allied to terrific freshness and length. As I was tasting it, I kept shaking my head marveling at how this blend of Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul and Roussanne achieved such a wonderful sense of balance. Hints of anise no doubt play a prominent role in achieving this, enlivening the melon and pear that form the wine's core, to be elegantly replaced on the finish by lingering notes of ripe citrus. Certainly this is one of the most impressive whites I can recall tasting from this benchmark estate. |
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Rhone | 1 | 94+ (WA) | HK$5,260.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (94+)The medium to full-bodied 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc boasts impressive concentration and richness, allied to terrific freshness and length. As I was tasting it, I kept shaking my head marveling at how this blend of Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul and Roussanne achieved such a wonderful sense of balance. Hints of anise no doubt play a prominent role in achieving this, enlivening the melon and pear that form the wine's core, to be elegantly replaced on the finish by lingering notes of ripe citrus. Certainly this is one of the most impressive whites I can recall tasting from this benchmark estate. |
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Rhone | 2 | - | HK$4,535.00 | |||||
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Rhone | 1 | - | HK$4,395.00 | |||||
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Rhone | 2 | 95 (JD) | HK$5,945.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (95)The 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc is terrific and shows the crisp, vibrant style of the vintage yet still manages to bring plenty of richness and concentration. Ripe pears, peach, licorice, and white flowers all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, has a layered mouthfeel, and integrated acidity. It's another incredibly classy white from this estate that will keep for 10-15 years. |
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Rhone | 1 | 97 (JD) | HK$4,525.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (97)The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc is the usual blend of all the permitted varieties. It shows the richer, layered, opulent style of the vintage beautifully, with loads of pear, acacia flower, citrus oil, and spice notes all defining the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, with a layered, opulent texture and a great finish. |