Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge 2023 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 over 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 long decanting, but comes into its own after ten years or so, and reaches new heights of complexity after twenty years.

Right from the outset, the nose offers deep aromas of black plum and licorice, accompanied by a very present aromatic sap. Sweet spices, a touch of garrigue and a hint of blood enrich the bouquet. The whole is dense and ripe, testifying to the concentration of the vintage.

The attack is full and confident, with a velvety texture supported by intense fruit. Well-placed acidity re-launches the wine on a balancing structure that supports the density. Black fruit, licorice and spices are fleshed out by silky, ripe tannins, which will melt into the wine's body in a few years' time. The finish is marked by black fruit and the freshness of garrigue herbs, and the impressive length on the palate suggests the wine's future development.