2020 Chateau Pape Clement Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 1x75cl

Producer Profile

Red Wine
Area under vines: 60 hectares
Soils: Gravel and limestone
Average age of the vines: 25 years
Planting density: 7000 to 9000 vines/ha
Production: 110 000 bottles a year
Ageing: in 70% new oak barrels for 18 to 20 months
Grape varieties:

Cabernet Sauvignon 46%
Merlot 49%
Cabernet Franc 3%
Petit Verdot 2%

White Wine
Area under vines: 3 hectares
Soils: Gravel and limestone
Average age of the vines: 25 years
Planting density: 7000 to 9000 vines/ha
Production: 9500 bottles a year
Ageing: in 70% new oak barrels for 12 months
Grape varieties:

Sauvignon 45%
Semillon 45%
Muscadelle 5%
Sauvignon Gris 5%

The Chateau makes two other wines:

Le Clémentin du Château de Pape Clément :

Area under vines: 57 hectares
Average age of the vines: 30 years
Ageing: in 100% new oak barrels for 18 months
Grape varieties:

Cabernet Sauvignon 60%
Merlot 40%

Le Prélat du Château Pape Clément :

Ageing: in 50% new oak barrels for 14-16 months
Average age of the vines: 20 years
Grape varieties:

Sauvignon Blanc

Learn more about Château Pape Clément here

Tasting Notes

Vinous 98

The 2020 Pape Clement is outrageously beautiful. Dark, virile and imposing, the 2020 is a rare vintage of Pape Clement that is vertical and statuesque in feel. Dark fruit, chocolate, new leather, licorice and cloves infuse the palate with tremendous depth. In a word: magnificent. [Antonio Galloni, 23/02/2023]

Anticipated maturity: 2030-2050

JancisRobinson.com 17+

Cask sample. Perhaps a little more closed than their Clementin. Great integrity to the fruit though, and there is a sense of decorum and breeding to the fruit, as well as stunning length. Super-fine tannins, refreshing acidity, everything in proportion. (RH) [10/05/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2026-2040

Robert Parker 97

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2020 Pape Clement comes barreling out of the glass with bold notes of cassis, plum preserves and licorice, giving way to scents of cedar chest, crushed rocks, charcoal and pencil lead. The medium to full-bodied palate is tightly coiled with beautiful tension and a firm, finely grained texture locking in the layers of black fruits and minerals, finishing with great length and energy. The blend this year is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot, aging mainly in French oak barriques, 66% new, with about 10% aging in large oak foudres. The wine will spend approximately 18 months in barrels. [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 17/04/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2028-2060