critic reviews
The 2022 Pape Clément is definitely a step up in quality compared to the previous wines in the flight, with much more complexity and terroir expression, minerally with light estuarine scents. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, finely balanced, fresh and tensile, with a dash of white pepper and spice box towards the classically styled finish. Long-term potential here. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.
This blend of the 2022 Pape-Clément is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon (although I did see wildly different figures presented at one tasting, so who knows? – I settled on the most reliable source). I like the aromatics here, which combine desiccated and delicately high-toned berry fruits with striking scents of violets, crushed chalk, blackberry and matchstick, and while they have certain appeal I cannot help but feel they seem a little advanced. Nevertheless, this translates onto a rather classy and nicely polished palate, with a rich core of dried cherry, currant and cranberry fruits, the restrained maturity of the Merlots coming through here, allowing the Cabernet to shine, with a polished texture, supported by a rich core of chocolate-laced tannins and smoky, smouldering oak. It finishes long and structured, with plenty of lingering tannic grip. This is classically Pape-Clément in style, and it will need ten or fifteen years to come good, but it promises much. Tasted three times. The alcohol on the label is 14%.
Medium to full intensity ruby in colour, gentle smoke on the nose, along with liquorice and cocoa bean on the opening beats, good length here, perhaps a little tight still at this point but plenty of ageing potential, and an enjoyably fragrant wave of rose petals and orange peel on the finish. Heavy bottle. 35hl/h yield, native yeast fermentation, aged in a variety of differently sized casks and barrels, 75ha estate
Revealing aromas of blueberries, cassis, spring flowers and toasty new oak, the 2022 Pape Clement is full-bodied, broad and textural, with a rich, layered core of super-ripe fruit framed by liberally extracted tannins that assert themselves on the firm, lavishly oaky finish. This is a flamboyant, unabashedly modern-styled Pape Clement that will need several years in the cellar to blossom. It's a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.