Château Pape Clément, Cru Classé, Pessac Léognan, 2022

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%.

DRINKING WINDOW 2029 - 2059

date of review 06/2025

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

DRINKING WINDOW 2029 - 2042

date of review 03/2025

The 2022 Pape Clément was impressive from barrel. Now that the wine is in bottle, it has evolved a very floral bouquet (strangely, there is a scent that reminds me of walking into the hotel reception of the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong, and I don't mean that necessarily in a negative way). Hints of musk, potpourri and bergamot filter through with aeration. The palate is very well balanced with saturated tannins. Mainly black-fruited, it is judiciously spiced and a little chewy toward the finish, where it just needs a little more precision and <em>nervosité</em>. Still, this is a very fine Pape Clément, one that deserves several years in bottle.

DRINKING WINDOW 2030 - 2065

date of review 02/2025