Château Pape Clément Pessac-Léognan 2021
- we95
- jd93
- ws88
Category | Red Wine |
Varietals | |
Brand | Château Pape Clément |
Origin | France, Bordeaux, Pessac-Léognan |
Alcohol/vol | 13.5% |
Known to be one of the oldest Bordeaux Grand Crus, Château Pape Clement — located in Pessac-Léognan — celebrated its first harvest in 1252. The estate’s vineyard was established by Bertrand de Goth, who in 1305 became Pope Clément V, the name which was subsequently given to the Château. In 1980, Bernard Magrez acquired the estate and since he has dedicated himself to the advancement and glory of this property with a blend of traditional style and cutting-edge technology. The estate practices sustainable agriculture with multiple certifications (Terra Vitis, HVE and ISO 14001) along with stringent pruning, manual harvest and destemming and rigorous vinification and aging processes. Since 2013, the Château has utilized drones and robotics to enhance their vineyard monitoring and maintenance.
The Pape Clement — a blend of 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot — shows an opaque, deep purple emitting aromas of dark red and black berry fruit accented with notes of pencil shavings and crushed stone. The palate is well-balanced and structured with flavors of black cherry, blackberry and cassis complemented with hints of licorice, vanilla and spice. There is a beautiful minerality and energy to the wine that mingles seamlessly with its finely-textured tannins. This wine finishes long and seductively smooth. Pick any cut of steak and you will have a perfect match, but this can also be enjoyed with all types of wild game (pheasant, boar, venison).
Wine Enthusiast
- we95
This rich wine from a legendary Bordeaux estate is full of spice and toast, with a backing of ripe white-fruit acidity. It has depth and concentration, a full-bodied wine that will age well. Drink from 2026.
Jeb Dunnuck
- jd93
The 2021 Château Pape Clément checks in as a blend of 50% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, and splashes of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc that was brought up in barrels and tuns. Its deeper ruby/plum hue is followed by a beautifully layered, round, medium-bodied Péssac offering ripe black cherry and currant-driven fruit, some textbook scorched earth and tobacco notes, a round, layered, expansive mouthfeel, and ripe yet integrated tannins. It's one of the gems from Péssac that will shine for 15 years.
Wine Spectator
- ws88
Notes of warm currant preserves, dark tobacco and humus meld nicely through the finish in this red, which isn't dense, but avoids the austere grain of the vintage, showing good polish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2028.