Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape 2020 (Southern Rhone, France) - [DM 98] [WS 97] [WA 96+] [JD 96] [VM 96] [JS 95]

Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape 2020
(Southern Rhone, France) - [DM 98] [WS 97] [WA 96+] [JD 96] [VM 96] [JS 95]

Name: Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape 2020 (Southern Rhone, France) - [DM 98] [WS 97] [WA 96+] [JD 96] [VM 96] [JS 95]
Brand: GRAVITAS
Price: 149.97 USD
Availability: InStock

$165.00 $149.97 Save $15.03

DM98 WS97 WA96+ JD96 VM96 JS95

Size

750 ml

Quantity

Allow Vintage Substitution?

Only 3 items in stock!

About the winery:
The Avril family has been making wine at Clos de Papes since the 18th century. Paul-Vincent was trained at wine school in Dijon, as was his father. This training and philosophy in Burgundy is evident in their philosophy towards winemaking in Chateauneuf-du-Pape- the wines of the appellation are able to attain richness, power and age-ability, the Avril's also want to achieve finesse and balance. Today, the property has 32 hectares, of which 3 hectares are the white varieties. There are twenty four different parcels spread around the town which allows for the various terroirs playing a role in the expression of the wine. They practice strict selection of 50+ year old vines and have some of the lowest yields in the appellation. The Avril's also practice destemming, which they have been doing since 1991. The wine is vinified in ceramic-lined vats and spends a year in large, old foudres.

50% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah and others

Ratings & Reviews

98 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"A very Clos des Papes vintage,' says Vincent Avril, and I know what he means - a vintage that naturally delivers the kind of fresh, elegant wines that this estate is famous for. A tasting of several foudres point to a wine with natural, easy balance. The Mourvèdre is excellent here this year, and adds great depth to the fresh and delightful Grenache that has notes of black tea, black cherry and iron. Elegant and very fine." - Matt Walls (Sep 2021)

97 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Beguiling, with a plume of black tea and incense leading off, followed by warmed black cherry reduction, cassis, melted black licorice, warm earth and singed tobacco and garrigue accents. Offers breadth and depth with a seamless feel, capped by a subtle mineral edge that lingers lengthily amid the beautiful fruit. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2024 through 2040. 8,000 cases made, 800 cases imported." - JM (Feb 2023)

96+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"I last reported on the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape prior to bottling, so let me update readers here. It's a terrific, red-fruited version of Clos des Papes, with raspberry and cherry notes accented by hints of black olive and allspice. Full-bodied, taut and firmly structured, with a long, concentrated finish, this is a vintage that should reward cellaring. – Joe Czerwinski (Sep 2023)

96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape showed brilliantly and is certainly one of the stars in the vintage. Based on 55% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, and the rest Syrah and other permitted varieties, it shines for its elegance and purity, offering a wonderful core of red and black fruits, medium to full body, silky, incredibly polished tannins, flawless balance, and already complex notes of flowers, sappy garrigue, Provençal spice. It has the estate's incredible ability to bring wonderful intensity and richness while staying graceful and seamless. It reminds me slightly of the 2012, possibly the 2006, and while it already offers pleasure, it will evolve for 20+ years in cold cellars." (Nov 2022)

96 Points - Vinous Media:
"Made with the usual blend of 55% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, Cinsaut and other permitted varieties, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape checks in at 15.5% alcohol. It bursts with pungent aromas of red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, black plum, thyme, black pepper and is distinctively spicy. Full-bodied and expressive, wrapped in an intricate web of velvety tannins and balanced by lively acids, it is a majestic Clos des Papes. - Nicolas Greinacher (Jun 2023)

95 Points - James Suckling:
"A fine and poised Chateauneuf-du-Pape with aromas of cassis, candied cherries, dried herbs, baking spices and black pepper. It's full-bodied with finely grained tannins. Velvety and layered with good concentration. It's elegant yet energetic and vibrant, with a flavorful, bright finish. Drink or hold." (Apr 2023)