Vincent Avril’s Sublime 2024 Clos des Papes – The Thinking Drinker’s Chateauneuf

We are delighted to offer the new vintage release from the ever-dependable Clos des Papes. A Châteauneuf-du-Pape that exemplifies all that is great about this historic appellation.

The 2024 is a fresh, chiselled and precise example of this famed Southern Rhone red, with a delicate red plum, violet and garrigue profile, complimented by the dark spice of Mourvedre. An even lower-yielding crop here than normal, just 18hl/ha, down from an average of 30hl/ha, the grapes were fully mature come harvest time, bursting with fresh fruit, the tannins sweet and generous. Vincent himself says he “makes wines that drink well on the table, not for competitions or to chase trends.”.

Coming off a run of excellent vintages, each with a unique, honest and wholesome character, the 2024 does not disappoint and will likely drink earlier than the 2022 and the 2023, albeit with a good decant. Clos des Papes sets the benchmark for elegance and finesse in the region, and the 2024 will have widespread appeal. It comes highly recommended. The Clos des Papes Blanc is striking and clear-cut, offering a melange of white flowers, grapefruit and pithy fruits; the purity and freshness of the vintage perfectly captured in the bottle. Quantities as ever are limited.

Clos des Papes Rouge 2024

Tasted from multiple foudres as well as the final blend, the 2024 Châteauneuf Du Pape shows the classy, elegant style of the vintage with its medium ruby hue and vibrant, fresh character. Ripe black cherries, pepper, garrigue, assorted spice, and violets define the aromatics, with increasing floral nuances emerging with air. It's medium-bodied on the palate, with fine tannins, outstanding length, and terrific overall balance that should surpass both the 2008 and 2021. – 93-96pts, Jeb Dunnuck

Clos des Papes Blanc 2024

A richer style of white from Vincent, the 2024 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc offers honeyed melon, ripe citrus, flowers, and mint on the nose. It's medium-bodied on the palate, with a pure, layered mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and a great finish. This beauty will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. Drink 2029-2045. – 95pts, Jeb Dunnuck