critic reviews
Opulent mouthfeel, grilled sandalwood oak set against bitter chocolate, creamy damson fruits, pulses of cumin, marzipan and rosemary spice. A gourmet, rich example of the vintage, full of estate signature, and very enjoyable. 100% new oak for ageing, Michel Rolland consultant.
The 2009 Pape-Clément is one of the few wines to comes across as a little dumb on the nose. It demands coaxing but eventually reveals lovely blackberry, raspberry, leather and sage aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, and fine bead of acidity. Grippy and quite masculine with a broad-shouldered, dense finish that suggests it will require a few years in bottle; it may be closing up. Great potential but wait. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.