Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge 2020 Clos des Papes | Rhône

For generations, Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape red has embodied a demanding vision of a legendary terroir. In the heart of this historic village, the Avril family has been managing a vineyard for generations, divided into some twenty parcels spread across the entire appellation, covering a wide variety of soils and exposures, all of which are cultivated using organic methods. Here, rounded pebbles, sand and sandstone interact with a mosaic of grape varieties, dominated by Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah, complemented by rarer varieties such as Counoise, Vaccarèse and Muscardin. Following in his father's footsteps, Paul Vincent Avril brings his own personal touch to the wine estate, with an ever-increasing refinement in his Châteauneuf du Pape red cuvées. Le Clos des Papes thus cultivates a style of depth and elegance, favoring traditional, spontaneous winemaking, without excessive extraction, and prolonged ageing in old tuns, banishing new wood to preserve the balance of the blend and the pure expression of Châteauneuf du Pape terroirs.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: Clos des Papes red Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the most accomplished cuvées in the southern Rhône Valley. Its greatness lies not only in its power, but in its ability to stand the test of time with impressive regularity. Each vintage reveals a subtle balance between generosity and freshness, supported by a concentrated, always legible body. This is a wine that is seductive in its youth, after a long decanting, but which blossoms fully after a decade or so, reaching peaks of complexity after twenty years.

The nose of this red Châteauneuf du Pape unfolds scents of black cherry, sloe and blackcurrant, with a lightly smoky, spicy background. The aromatic palette is enriched by nuances of tobacco and young leather, delicately integrated. These notes combine to create a dense, yet still developing aromatic profile.

The palate is dense, with ripe black fruit adding roundness. As the tasting progresses, a restrained freshness balances out the power, with tannins that are present but well-balanced. Notes of black fruit, spicy touches and fine hints of licorice give the whole a superb relief, while the elegance of the finish augurs well for the future of this wine.