Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2021
(Southern Rhone, France) - [JD 95] [WA 95] [VM 94] [JS 92]

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.

About this Wine:

Clos des Papes Blanc made its debut in 1955 and is produced from a blend of 20% Roussanne, 20% Grenache Blanc, 20% Clairette, 20% Bourboulenc and 20% Picpoul. The wine is vinified and aged in stainless steel tanks for 6 months. The average annual production is close to 1,000 cases per vintage.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"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." (Nov 2022)

95 Points - Wine Advocate:
"A more classic, age-worthy vintage for Clos des Papes's white wine, the 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc features compelling aromas of crushed stone, pink grapefruit and lime. Medium-bodied, fresh and focused, it's a relatively lean example that should easily age into the next decade, seeming to add richness along the way." - Joe Czerwinski (Sep 2023)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The medium lemon-colored 2021 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is full-bodied and rich. Swirling the glass unfurls enticing spring flower, yellow apple, orange peel and white peach aromas with a tropical splash of melon. This oily-textured 2021 is framed by moderate levels of bright acidity, keeping everything balanced. It shows superb purity and concludes with a complex finish." - Nicolas Greinacher (Jun 2023)

92 Points - James Suckling:
"A focused and aromatic nose of citron, grapefruit, bay leaves, toasted bread and white pepper. Medium body with a creamy core of apricots and stone fruit on the palate. Round and caressing with a silky, fruity and floral finish. Drink or hold." (Apr 2023)