Chateau Pape Clement Pessac Leognan Bordeaux, Complete Guide

pape clement chateau

Learn everything about Chateau Pape Clement Pessac Leognan, with wine tasting notes and wine with food pairing tips. Learn the best vintages, the history of the property, information on the vineyards, and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Pape Clement History, Overview

Chateau Pape Clement has a long and interesting history in Bordeaux. The first recorded grape harvest took place in 1252! As you might have guessed, the chateau is named after the property’s most famous owner, who was a Pope! In 1305 the Cardinals elected Bertrand de Goth the Pope. He was renamed Clement V, which is where the Bordeaux property took its historic name.

The Pope, Clement V, was widely known for his interest in wine. Due to his strong interest in wine, Clement V received a Pessac Leognan estate as a gift. The gift included the vineyard de la Mothe. Clement V developed an interest in the production of Bordeaux wine.

He enjoyed working in the vineyards. Pope Clement V was known for managing the chateau, using the most sophisticated techniques of his day.

In 1309 the Pope moved the papal court to Avignon to break with Rome and its influence. Avignon of course is where Chateauneuf du Pape is located, which allowed the pope to continue his interest in wine and vineyards. When he moved to Avignon, Clement V relinquished his Bordeaux vineyards. He gave it to the Archbishop of Bordeaux.

When the Pope left, the chateau was renamed in honor of Pope Clement V, which is where Chateau Pape Clement takes its name.

From that time on, every Archbishop followed the vineyard techniques and teaching of Clement V. When the 18th century drew to a close, the Archbishop of Bordeaux lost the estate.

Chateau Pape Clement The Modern Age

Jumping ahead to the next chapter, which marks the modern age of the estate, Chateau Pape Clement was sold in 1939 to Paul Montagne. With time, Montagne’s heirs renovated the estate and brought the property back to the previous level of high-quality Chateau Pape Clement was known for.

However, it was not easy in those days because of mother nature. Due to a massive hail storm during the 1950s, which destroyed the vast majority of their vines, Paul Montagne was forced to replant most of his vineyard before passing the estate on to his children.

His descendants included Leo Montagne and later Bernard Magrez. In 1975, Chateau Pape Clement was owned by 2 families. The wife of Bernard Magrez owned 20% of the property, and the Bobeau family owned the remaining 80%.

When Bernard Magrez began accumulating shares of the estate, he was only able to borrow enough money to purchase 4% of the vineyard. He became the sole owner of the estate in 1980. However, Magrez, began his career in sales as a negociant for the Cordier group. Pape Clement was not the first vineyard purchased by Bernard Magrez, he bought his first winery vineyard in Uruguay.

Bernard Magrez, remains firmly in charge of Chateau Pape Clement, as well as up to 42 different wineries throughout Bordeaux and in numerous wine-producing countries all over the world. Magrez brought in Michel Rolland as their consultant in 1993.

Under the direction of Bernard Magrez, the wines of Pape Clement have never been better. Much of this is due to lower yields, picking riper fruit, increased parcel by parcel work in the vineyards, making a severe selection in the vineyards, and improving the barrel-aging program. Previous vintages could remain a bit oaky for some tasters, but that is no longer the case today.

Chateau Pape Clement Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 60-hectare vineyard of Chateau Pape Clement has 53 hectares of vines for the red wine grape varieties and 7 hectares planted for white wine grapes. Over the past several years, the vineyards have almost doubled in size.

For the red wine grapes, the vineyard is planted to 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. This shows a change in the vineyards with less Cabernet Sauvignon, more Merlot, and the addition of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

7 hectares of vines are used for the production of white Bordeaux wine at Chateau Pape Clement. Those vines are planted to 48.5% Semillon, 44.5% Sauvignon Blanc, 5.5% Sauvignon Gris and 1.5% Muscadelle.

You can divide the vineyard into 2 main sections, with about 20 hectares planted adjacent to and in front of the chateau. They also have vines placed in parcels across the main road. The terroir is a complex blend of gravel, clay, small rocks, and sandy soils. Below that, you have clay, sandstone, and limestone. It is important to that note that part of what makes Pape Clement unique in Pessac Leognan is the large clay deposits in the eastern part of the vineyard.

You find the Merlot placed in the soil with more clay here, and the Cabernet Sauvignon in the gravel as you would expect. On average, the vines are 30 years of age. The vine density ranges from 7,700 vines per hectare to 9,000 vines per hectare.

Their closest neighbor is Chateau Haut Brion. It’s interesting to note that even though Pape Clement is closer to the city of Bordeaux, which might make you think they have a warmer microclimate, that is not the case as the grapes here are usually harvested several days to a week after Haut Brion.

While there are several chateaux today that use horses in their vineyards to help plow, that is not what takes place here. Instead, they use two Gascon Oxen. The first pair of ox used at the estate were brothers named Blanc and Marcel.

7 hectares of vines are used for the production of white wine at Chateau Pape Clement. The terroir for the white wine grapes consists of gravel, clay, and sand with limestone soils and a cooler microclimate. The vines are planted at an average vine density of 7,700 vines per hectare. The white wine grapes are on average 34 years old.

While white Bordeaux wine has always been produced at Chateau Pape Clement, production has more than tripled since Bernard Magrez began managing Pape Clement. In fact, it’s interesting to note that prior to Bernard Magrez, Pape Clement Blanc was not sold, it was only for private use by the owners.

Pape Clement Drone

Starting with the 2013 vintage, Chateau Pape Clement began enlisting the help of drones in the vineyard. Known as the Vitirover, the drone is powered by solar energy. The Vitirover drone uses GPS technology to maneuver all over the vineyards looking at specific parcels and vines.

The vineyard managers fly the drone using an app on their smartphone! Although the information received takes a very sophisticated piece of software to understand the data.

The Vitirover drones fly over the vines taking continuous images, using infra-red technology. The pictures capture the photosynthesis that is taking place in the vines. This allows the vineyard managers to know on a very precise level what is taking place in the vines before the growing season, during the season, and just before harvest.

Prior to picking, images from the drones help guide the workers to the maximum level of ripeness in the fruit to pick on a parcel by parcel, as well as a vine-by-vine basis.

Winemaking at Chateau Pape Clement

To produce the red wine of Chateau Pape Clement, the fruit is whole berry fermented. The grapes are manually destemmed. Vinification takes place in large, temperature-controlled wood vats that range in size, corresponding to the size of the parcels. The large oak tanks vary in size from 50 hectoliters to 150 hectoliters.

There is a manual punching down of the cap. The red wine is run off directly into 100% new, French oak barrels via gravity flow, without any pumping over. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels. Previously The red wine of Pape Clement was aged in 100% new, French oak barrels. Starting with the 2018 vintage, the percentage of new oak has dropped to 65%. And much of the wine is now aged in larger 400-liter barrels, so the sensation of oak is reduced, resulting in a better wine. for an average of 18 to 20 months before bottling.

For the production of the white Bordeaux wine at Chateau Pape Clement Blanc, the grapes are whole-cluster fermented without being destemmed in 100% new, French oak barrels. There is no malolactic fermentation. The white wine is aged in 100% new French oak for an average of 12 months while being aged on its lees before bottling.

The best vintages of Chateau Pape Clement are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2005, 2001, 2000, 1998, 1996, 1990 and 1961. However, it is important to keep in mind that the best vintages for the red wine of Pape Clement are not always the same as they are for their white wine. For example, 2013, 2011, and 2007 are sublime for Pape Clement Blanc, but they are quite difficult years for their red wine.

There is a second wine, Le Clementin du Pape Clement for the red and white wines. Le Clementin du Pape Clement made its debut in 1986. The estate produced an entry-level third wine, Le Prelat du Chateau Pape Clement for red and white wines, until the 2021 vintage when the name was changed to L’Ame de Pape Clement.

In 2018, the estate added another wine, PC4. PC4 is a multi-vintage blend made from the 4 best, recent vintages. The debut release was made using 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015. The production of PC4 is tiny, with less than 1,000 bottles of wine per release.

On average, the production of the red wine of Chateau Pape Clement is almost 20,000 cases per vintage.

For the white wine, the production is over 2,000 cases per vintage. Starting with the 2010 vintage, Chateau Pape Clement began taking anti-counterfeiting measures using the Spottag system, which adds an invisible ink to the labels.

Character and Style of Chateau Pape Clement

The wines of Chateau Pape Clement are modern in style, with rich, lush textures and an intense concentration of ripe fruit. However, the wines can seem to be too oaky in some vintages. That being said, the wines being made under Bernard Magrez are dramatically better than the wines made before he took over Chateau Pape Clement.

When to Drink Chateau Pape Clement, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Pape Clement needs time before it begins to show its true character. Pape Clement needs at least 10-15 years of aging in good vintages until it is ready to be enjoyed. Young vintages can be decanted for 2-4 hours or more. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume.

Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Chateau Pape Clement offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 15-50 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Chateau Pape Clement with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Chateau Pape Clement is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. Chateau Pape Clement is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Chateau Pape Clement is also good with Asian dishes, and hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta.

Chateau Pape Clement Blanc, the white wine of Pape Clement is best served with a myriad of different seafood dishes, shellfish, crab, lobster, sushi, sashimi, chicken, pork, and veal, as well as Asian cuisine.

Chateau Pape Clement is one of the first major Bordeaux estates to embrace wine tourism as a business. Open 7 days a week, depending on the needs of the guest, they are willing to customize a special program, depending on the needs of the guest. Or, visitors can simply request a tour, tasting, and visit their wine bar and gift shop.

www.bernard-magrez.com

Château Pape Clément Wine Tasting Notes

67 Vintages 637,239 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating

2022
97
Dark, almost opaque in color, the wine grabs your attention with its showy display of flowers, cinnamon, chocolate, spice, tobacco, blackberries, and black cherries in the perfume. On the palate, the wine is rich, lush, sweet, deep, and intense. There is a wealth of flavor in the black cherries, white pepper, dark chocolate, and espresso on the palate. The endnote sticks for almost 50 seconds, delivering a peppery, orange rind, refreshing note in the finish. The wine blends 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14% ABV, 3.6 pH. The harvest took place September 7 - September 28. Yields were 35 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2026-2055. 96-98 Pts.

Dark, almost opaque in color, the wine grabs your attention with its showy display of flowers, cinnamon, chocolate, spice, tobacco, blackberries, and black cherries in the perfume. On the palate, the wine is rich, lush, sweet, deep, and intense. There is a wealth of flavor in the black cherries, white pepper, dark chocolate, and espresso on the palate. The endnote sticks for almost 50 seconds, delivering a peppery, orange rind, refreshing note in the finish. The wine blends 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14% ABV, 3.6 pH. The harvest took place September 7 - September 28. Yields were 35 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2026-2055. 96-98 Pts.

2,915 Views   Tasted
2022
95
Mint, white peach, green apples, and pear aromatics open the perfume. On the palate, the wine is ripe, creamy, and focused on its wealth of sweet, yellow citrus, pineapple, white peach, and orange rind notes in the mid-palate, and in the finish. The wine blends 63% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon and 2% Muscadelle. Picking took place August 28 - September 2. Drink from 2025-2035. 95-95 Pts.

Mint, white peach, green apples, and pear aromatics open the perfume. On the palate, the wine is ripe, creamy, and focused on its wealth of sweet, yellow citrus, pineapple, white peach, and orange rind notes in the mid-palate, and in the finish. The wine blends 63% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon and 2% Muscadelle. Picking took place August 28 - September 2. Drink from 2025-2035. 95-95 Pts.

2,088 Views   Tasted
2022
92
Smoky red fruits, espresso beans, flowers, and spice blend perfectly on the nose and palate. The wine is medium-bodied, soft, forward, and easy to drink, with all of its soft-textured, red fruits, smoke, spice, and touch of cocoa that you find on the backend. You can drink this on release while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. The wine blends 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2025-2032. 91-93 Pts.

Smoky red fruits, espresso beans, flowers, and spice blend perfectly on the nose and palate. The wine is medium-bodied, soft, forward, and easy to drink, with all of its soft-textured, red fruits, smoke, spice, and touch of cocoa that you find on the backend. You can drink this on release while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. The wine blends 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2025-2032. 91-93 Pts.

2,349 Views   Tasted
2022
91
Pineapple, lemon curd, orange rind, and floral nuances open the nose, and get the palate going. The wine is sweet, and creamy on the mid-palate and finish. You can enjoy this with pleasure on release. Drink from 2024-2028. 91-91 Pts.

Pineapple, lemon curd, orange rind, and floral nuances open the nose, and get the palate going. The wine is sweet, and creamy on the mid-palate and finish. You can enjoy this with pleasure on release. Drink from 2024-2028. 91-91 Pts.

2,139 Views   Tasted
2021
97
Lemon meringue, white pepper, orange rind, white flowers, pineapples, white peaches and tangerine skins produce the attention-seeking perfume. The palate, which is filled with sweet, ripe, lush, and most importantly, vivid, energy-driven fruits is even better. From beginning, this is a fabulous white Bordeaux, with a racy finish. This is my favorite vintage of their white wine ever produced Drink from 2024-2040.

Lemon meringue, white pepper, orange rind, white flowers, pineapples, white peaches and tangerine skins produce the attention-seeking perfume. The palate, which is filled with sweet, ripe, lush, and most importantly, vivid, energy-driven fruits is even better. From beginning, this is a fabulous white Bordeaux, with a racy finish. This is my favorite vintage of their white wine ever produced Drink from 2024-2040.

265 Views   Tasted
Creamy, fresh and bright, with lemons, lime and green apples and just a hint of spice, this is going to be perfect for consumption over the next few years. In fact, you can enjoy this refreshing wine on release! Drink from 2023-2027. 91-91

Creamy, fresh and bright, with lemons, lime and green apples and just a hint of spice, this is going to be perfect for consumption over the next few years. In fact, you can enjoy this refreshing wine on release! Drink from 2023-2027. 91-91

1,839 Views   Tasted
2021
94
Chocolate, espresso, smoke, black cherries, blackberries and flowers create the attention-seeking perfume. On the palate, the wine round, supple and deep with layers of creamy, dark chocolate-tinted plums, cherries, licorice, smoke, and espresso. Concentrated, but seemingly less so than in previous vintages, the wine is almost reserved in style, which is due to the vintage, as well as to stylistic opportunities, and choices. Drink from 2025-2050.

Chocolate, espresso, smoke, black cherries, blackberries and flowers create the attention-seeking perfume. On the palate, the wine round, supple and deep with layers of creamy, dark chocolate-tinted plums, cherries, licorice, smoke, and espresso. Concentrated, but seemingly less so than in previous vintages, the wine is almost reserved in style, which is due to the vintage, as well as to stylistic opportunities, and choices. Drink from 2025-2050.

309 Views   Tasted
Deep and concentrated with a nose brimming with smoke, espresso, red plums and dark cherries, wet earth and a touch of chocolate ganache. Concentrated, but seemingly less so than in previous vintages, the wine is fresh, bright, chewy, long and almost reserved, until you get to all the vibrant red fruits, espresso and smoky cocoa in the finish. The harvest took place September 28 - October 14. Drink from 2025-2050. 94-96

Deep and concentrated with a nose brimming with smoke, espresso, red plums and dark cherries, wet earth and a touch of chocolate ganache. Concentrated, but seemingly less so than in previous vintages, the wine is fresh, bright, chewy, long and almost reserved, until you get to all the vibrant red fruits, espresso and smoky cocoa in the finish. The harvest took place September 28 - October 14. Drink from 2025-2050. 94-96

2,174 Views   Tasted
2021
88
Smoke, espresso and a touch of spice accompany the red berry filled nose. The palate is light, sweet and fresh, with a coffee note that accompanies the cherries in the finish. This is already easy to enjoy, so pop a cork when you see a bottle. Drink from 2023-2030.

Smoke, espresso and a touch of spice accompany the red berry filled nose. The palate is light, sweet and fresh, with a coffee note that accompanies the cherries in the finish. This is already easy to enjoy, so pop a cork when you see a bottle. Drink from 2023-2030.

471 Views   Tasted
2020
97
With a deep hue that is close to opaque, the wine exudes smoke, roasted espresso, cigar wrappers, blackberries, black cherries, licorice and chocolate. There is fabulous depth, purity, length and complexity here. The richly-textured finish is fleshy, powerful, intense and polished, with an endnote that keeps on going long after the wine has left the glass. This is the finest vintage of Pape Clement in years. Drink from 2026-2055.

With a deep hue that is close to opaque, the wine exudes smoke, roasted espresso, cigar wrappers, blackberries, black cherries, licorice and chocolate. There is fabulous depth, purity, length and complexity here. The richly-textured finish is fleshy, powerful, intense and polished, with an endnote that keeps on going long after the wine has left the glass. This is the finest vintage of Pape Clement in years. Drink from 2026-2055.

7,256 Views   Tasted
Close to opaque in color, the wine explodes from the glass with smoke, cigar box, espresso bean, black cherry liqueur, chocolate ganache, bay leaf and black currants. Rich, lush, concentrated and deep, the wine is fleshy, powerful, intense and polished. Incredibly long, balanced and complex, the finish keeps on going long after the wine has left the glass. The range of dark red berries sits with you growing in intensity on your palate. This is the finest vintage of Pape Clement in years. 95-97 Pts

Close to opaque in color, the wine explodes from the glass with smoke, cigar box, espresso bean, black cherry liqueur, chocolate ganache, bay leaf and black currants. Rich, lush, concentrated and deep, the wine is fleshy, powerful, intense and polished. Incredibly long, balanced and complex, the finish keeps on going long after the wine has left the glass. The range of dark red berries sits with you growing in intensity on your palate. This is the finest vintage of Pape Clement in years. 95-97 Pts

4,280 Views   Tasted
2020
95
Rich, lush, ripe, concentrated, and fresh, here, you find a plethora of yellow, and orange citrus fruits with nuances of honeysuckle, green apple, mango, and a smidgeon of vanilla. On the palate, the wine is full, rich, creamy, oily, lively, and ready to go. Drink from 2023-2035.

Rich, lush, ripe, concentrated, and fresh, here, you find a plethora of yellow, and orange citrus fruits with nuances of honeysuckle, green apple, mango, and a smidgeon of vanilla. On the palate, the wine is full, rich, creamy, oily, lively, and ready to go. Drink from 2023-2035.

2,587 Views   Tasted
Honeysuckle, orange rind, spice, pomelo, green apple and a shot of mango create the nose. On the palate the wine is full, rich, creamy, oily and fresh, with layers of ripe, sweet, spicy, yellow citrus and tart green apples in the finish. 96 Pts

Honeysuckle, orange rind, spice, pomelo, green apple and a shot of mango create the nose. On the palate the wine is full, rich, creamy, oily and fresh, with layers of ripe, sweet, spicy, yellow citrus and tart green apples in the finish. 96 Pts

2,360 Views   Tasted
2020
91
Fresh, bracing, bright and juicy, with a crispness and racy character to all the yellow citrus and spice. Sweet, fresh, energetic and lifted, the zesty, tart green apple and lemon hits the spot I the endnotes. It is hard to believe this is only a second wine. 91 Pts

Fresh, bracing, bright and juicy, with a crispness and racy character to all the yellow citrus and spice. Sweet, fresh, energetic and lifted, the zesty, tart green apple and lemon hits the spot I the endnotes. It is hard to believe this is only a second wine. 91 Pts

1,776 Views   Tasted
2020
91
Tobacco, smoke, wet earth, coffee bean and red fruits show on the nose and palate. The wine is medium-bodied, polished, fresh and forward. You can drink this on release while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. 90-92 Pts

Tobacco, smoke, wet earth, coffee bean and red fruits show on the nose and palate. The wine is medium-bodied, polished, fresh and forward. You can drink this on release while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. 90-92 Pts

3,096 Views   Tasted
2020
88
Medium-bodied, soft, silky and fresh, with refined, polished red fruits accompanied by touches of tobacco, espresso, spice and cocoa are found here. Forward, early drinking and already charming, you can enjoy this on release. 87-89 Pts

Medium-bodied, soft, silky and fresh, with refined, polished red fruits accompanied by touches of tobacco, espresso, spice and cocoa are found here. Forward, early drinking and already charming, you can enjoy this on release. 87-89 Pts

2,707 Views   Tasted
2019
97
Almost opaque in color, the wine kicks off with an intense array of smoke, tobacco, cigar box, flowers, spice, dark plums and blackberry aromas. On the palate, the wine is rich, lush, polished, full-bodied, deep, long and fresh. The finish crosses the 50 second mark with ease, leaving you with opulently-textured, layers of perfectly ripe, sensuous, rich, dark fruits. Because the amount of oak has been decreased during the aging process, the fruit is allowed to shine front and center, allowing for more vibrancy and purity. This is a top vintage of Pape Clement that clearly merits your attention. Drink from 2030-2060.

Almost opaque in color, the wine kicks off with an intense array of smoke, tobacco, cigar box, flowers, spice, dark plums and blackberry aromas. On the palate, the wine is rich, lush, polished, full-bodied, deep, long and fresh. The finish crosses the 50 second mark with ease, leaving you with opulently-textured, layers of perfectly ripe, sensuous, rich, dark fruits. Because the amount of oak has been decreased during the aging process, the fruit is allowed to shine front and center, allowing for more vibrancy and purity. This is a top vintage of Pape Clement that clearly merits your attention. Drink from 2030-2060.

6,098 Views   Tasted
Dark in color, the tobacco leaf, cigar box, floral, blackberry and dark plum aromas are just fabulous to smell. Fresh, sweet, rich, long, full-bodied and lifted, the wine is concentrated, deep and intense. The balance is perfect, with all the sweet fruits and freshness in harmony. This is a beautiful thing, because the 60-second finish is something you want to hang on to. The wine was made from blending 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% of Petit Verdot, reaching 14% ABV. The oak has been dialed back a bit. To help retain the freshness and purity in the fruit, 5% of the harvest was aged in oak foudres and 5% was aged in amphora. The harvest took place September 17 to October 10, the Grand Vin was made from 60% of the harvest. 95-97 Pts

Dark in color, the tobacco leaf, cigar box, floral, blackberry and dark plum aromas are just fabulous to smell. Fresh, sweet, rich, long, full-bodied and lifted, the wine is concentrated, deep and intense. The balance is perfect, with all the sweet fruits and freshness in harmony. This is a beautiful thing, because the 60-second finish is something you want to hang on to. The wine was made from blending 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% of Petit Verdot, reaching 14% ABV. The oak has been dialed back a bit. To help retain the freshness and purity in the fruit, 5% of the harvest was aged in oak foudres and 5% was aged in amphora. The harvest took place September 17 to October 10, the Grand Vin was made from 60% of the harvest. 95-97 Pts

7,114 Views   Tasted
2019
94
Forward, fresh, round, and rich, the wine offers its core of orange and yellow tropical fruits, honeysuckle, and hints of candied grapefruit peel with little effort. Fresh, sweet, crisp and long, with waxy, yellow citrus and tangerines in the finish, you can enjoy this on release and over the next decade. Drink from 2022-2033.

Forward, fresh, round, and rich, the wine offers its core of orange and yellow tropical fruits, honeysuckle, and hints of candied grapefruit peel with little effort. Fresh, sweet, crisp and long, with waxy, yellow citrus and tangerines in the finish, you can enjoy this on release and over the next decade. Drink from 2022-2033.

1,618 Views   Tasted
Opening with strong notes of white peach, assorted notes of orange and yellow tropical fruits and honeysuckle, with a hint of candied grapefruit peel. Fresh, sweet, crisp and long, with loads of waxy, sweet, juicy yellow citrus blended with tangerines. The wine was made from 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Semillon. 96 Pts

Opening with strong notes of white peach, assorted notes of orange and yellow tropical fruits and honeysuckle, with a hint of candied grapefruit peel. Fresh, sweet, crisp and long, with loads of waxy, sweet, juicy yellow citrus blended with tangerines. The wine was made from 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Semillon. 96 Pts

2,819 Views   Tasted
2019
91
Sweet and smoky with tobacco leaf, espresso, lead pencil and ripe, dark red berry notes create the aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is soft, round, polished, sweet and fruity. There is lift, character and a load of ripe red berries in the finish. Enjoy this while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. Drink from 2023-2034.

Sweet and smoky with tobacco leaf, espresso, lead pencil and ripe, dark red berry notes create the aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is soft, round, polished, sweet and fruity. There is lift, character and a load of ripe red berries in the finish. Enjoy this while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. Drink from 2023-2034.

1,496 Views   Tasted
Early drinking, soft, smoky, medium-bodied, earthy, fruity wine with soft, polished textured and ripe, juicy, smoked red fruits with a back note of cocoa in the finish. This definitely shows some of the same character you find in its big brother, the Grand Vin. 90-92 Pts

Early drinking, soft, smoky, medium-bodied, earthy, fruity wine with soft, polished textured and ripe, juicy, smoked red fruits with a back note of cocoa in the finish. This definitely shows some of the same character you find in its big brother, the Grand Vin. 90-92 Pts

2,744 Views   Tasted
2019
90
Beeswax and honeysuckle with a touch of orange rind are all over the place in this juicy, sweet, fresh, vibrant white wine. You can enjoy this on release. Drink from 2022-2026.

Beeswax and honeysuckle with a touch of orange rind are all over the place in this juicy, sweet, fresh, vibrant white wine. You can enjoy this on release. Drink from 2022-2026.

1,607 Views   Tasted
2018
97
Deep in color, the wine is filled with smoke, licorice, tobacco, dark red fruits and cedar. Rich, full and with depth of flavor, the lush, round, ripe, sweet fruits hit the right notes you're looking for. Give it a decade before popping a cork and enjoy it over the next 20-25 years with ease. The wine was made from blending 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc.

Deep in color, the wine is filled with smoke, licorice, tobacco, dark red fruits and cedar. Rich, full and with depth of flavor, the lush, round, ripe, sweet fruits hit the right notes you're looking for. Give it a decade before popping a cork and enjoy it over the next 20-25 years with ease. The wine was made from blending 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc.

5,555 Views   Tasted
Opaque in color with shiny purple accents, the wine is loaded with smoke, tobacco leaf, cigar box and dark red fruits. The wine has depth and concentration but never feels heavy. There is enough acidity here to keep the wine lifted. The velvet tannins in the luxurious finish never feels over-blown this year. This is going to require at least a decade or more and will be worth the wait. The wine was made from blending 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. The oak has been dialed back a bit and 5% of the harvest was aged in oak foudres, which helps aid in the freshness.96-98 Pts

Opaque in color with shiny purple accents, the wine is loaded with smoke, tobacco leaf, cigar box and dark red fruits. The wine has depth and concentration but never feels heavy. There is enough acidity here to keep the wine lifted. The velvet tannins in the luxurious finish never feels over-blown this year. This is going to require at least a decade or more and will be worth the wait. The wine was made from blending 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. The oak has been dialed back a bit and 5% of the harvest was aged in oak foudres, which helps aid in the freshness.96-98 Pts

11,358 Views   Tasted
2018
96
Rich, juicy, creamy and loaded with Meyer lemon, cut grass, flowers, pomelo and Mandarin orange, the wine just simply tastes and feels great. Lush in texture, with layers of sweet, citrus, yellow tropical fruit and flowers, the dab of honey and vanilla in the finish rounds everything out nicely. The wine was made from 57% Sauvignon Blanc, 39% Semillon and 4% Muscadelle.

Rich, juicy, creamy and loaded with Meyer lemon, cut grass, flowers, pomelo and Mandarin orange, the wine just simply tastes and feels great. Lush in texture, with layers of sweet, citrus, yellow tropical fruit and flowers, the dab of honey and vanilla in the finish rounds everything out nicely. The wine was made from 57% Sauvignon Blanc, 39% Semillon and 4% Muscadelle.

1,592 Views   Tasted
A nice blast of pomelo, lemon peel, Mandarin orange, flowers, honeysuckle and vanilla, in a richly-textured, lush style of white Bordeaux. You can drink this fairly close to release. The wine was made from 57% Sauvignon Blanc, 39% Semillon and 4% Muscadelle.

A nice blast of pomelo, lemon peel, Mandarin orange, flowers, honeysuckle and vanilla, in a richly-textured, lush style of white Bordeaux. You can drink this fairly close to release. The wine was made from 57% Sauvignon Blanc, 39% Semillon and 4% Muscadelle.

2,766 Views   Tasted
2018
91
Smoke, espresso and toffee aromas come along with soft, red fruits, making this a really nice, early drinking, soft textured charmer.

Smoke, espresso and toffee aromas come along with soft, red fruits, making this a really nice, early drinking, soft textured charmer.

2,331 Views   Tasted
2018
89
Forward, medium-bodied, elegant expression of yellow citrus with hints of orange and pear. Sweet, fresh and ready to go, you can enjoy this on release while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop.

Forward, medium-bodied, elegant expression of yellow citrus with hints of orange and pear. Sweet, fresh and ready to go, you can enjoy this on release while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop.

2,663 Views   Tasted
2018
87
Jammy red fruits with a touch of citrus and smoke are displayed on the nose of this medium-bodied, forward, soft textured, cherry dominated wine. You can enjoy this on release for all its up-front qualities.

Jammy red fruits with a touch of citrus and smoke are displayed on the nose of this medium-bodied, forward, soft textured, cherry dominated wine. You can enjoy this on release for all its up-front qualities.

3,497 Views   Tasted
2017
96
Loaded with fruit from start to finish, the wine is rich, plush, fresh and balanced. The honeysuckle on top of all that ripe just-picked lemons, pomelo, rock and mango hits the spot. This should age nicely.

Loaded with fruit from start to finish, the wine is rich, plush, fresh and balanced. The honeysuckle on top of all that ripe just-picked lemons, pomelo, rock and mango hits the spot. This should age nicely.

3,090 Views   Tasted
Full, rich and deep, yet bright, zesty and fresh, this is rockin' . The juicy, bright citrus is incredibly fresh. This is made even better with the honeysuckle, crushed rocks and vanilla accents that ride on top of all the ripe sweet, citrus and green apple notes.

Full, rich and deep, yet bright, zesty and fresh, this is rockin' . The juicy, bright citrus is incredibly fresh. This is made even better with the honeysuckle, crushed rocks and vanilla accents that ride on top of all the ripe sweet, citrus and green apple notes.

2,457 Views   Tasted
2017
96
Showing a good depth of color the wine offers a rich dose of chocolate covered plums and cherries with tobacco leaf, licorice, smoke, and coffee bean. Straddling the fence between opulence and freshness, the finish hangs in there with its dusty cherries, smoke and licorice notes. Give this a decade in the cellar before popping a cork, it will be worth the wait.

Showing a good depth of color the wine offers a rich dose of chocolate covered plums and cherries with tobacco leaf, licorice, smoke, and coffee bean. Straddling the fence between opulence and freshness, the finish hangs in there with its dusty cherries, smoke and licorice notes. Give this a decade in the cellar before popping a cork, it will be worth the wait.

6,464 Views   Tasted
Deep in color, the wine is floral with blackberry, boysenberry, licorice and espresso notes. Sweet with bright, crisp fruits, stylistically this is a bright vintage – tannin tensions paired with a fresh fruit edge. The wine was produced by blending 55% Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, the wine reached 14.04% ABV with a pH of 3.6.

Deep in color, the wine is floral with blackberry, boysenberry, licorice and espresso notes. Sweet with bright, crisp fruits, stylistically this is a bright vintage – tannin tensions paired with a fresh fruit edge. The wine was produced by blending 55% Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, the wine reached 14.04% ABV with a pH of 3.6.

7,007 Views   Tasted
2016
95
Deep in color, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated and packed with layers of dark red fruits. The texture is lush, the fruit is sweet, powerful ripe and juicy. On the palate you find dense, ripe, sweet, smoky blackberries, cigar box, espresso and licorice. Even with all this heft, you still find energy in the finish. I am really liking the elegance and restraint found here due to lower ABV and a more restrained use of new oak. Still, this needs at least 12 years or so of aging, before it really starts maturing. .

Deep in color, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated and packed with layers of dark red fruits. The texture is lush, the fruit is sweet, powerful ripe and juicy. On the palate you find dense, ripe, sweet, smoky blackberries, cigar box, espresso and licorice. Even with all this heft, you still find energy in the finish. I am really liking the elegance and restraint found here due to lower ABV and a more restrained use of new oak. Still, this needs at least 12 years or so of aging, before it really starts maturing. .

6,422 Views   Tasted
Deeply colored the wine is fleshy, fruity, full bodied, concentrated and filled with ripe, sweet, lush, smoky blackberries, cigar box and licorice. The fruit has vibrancy, and freshness, with lower ABV and better integrated oak, allowing the wine to be enjoyed earlier than other, more recent vintages. I am really liking the elegance and restraint found here.

Deeply colored the wine is fleshy, fruity, full bodied, concentrated and filled with ripe, sweet, lush, smoky blackberries, cigar box and licorice. The fruit has vibrancy, and freshness, with lower ABV and better integrated oak, allowing the wine to be enjoyed earlier than other, more recent vintages. I am really liking the elegance and restraint found here.

6,326 Views   Tasted
Inky, dark in hue, the wine offers its lush, smoke-filled, black fruits and tobacco notes with ease. Dense, rich and concentrated, the tannins are silky and the finish displays layers of ripe, richly dark red fruits. The wine combines elegance, complexity and refined characteristics that will only show its best with 12 -15 years or more of age.

Inky, dark in hue, the wine offers its lush, smoke-filled, black fruits and tobacco notes with ease. Dense, rich and concentrated, the tannins are silky and the finish displays layers of ripe, richly dark red fruits. The wine combines elegance, complexity and refined characteristics that will only show its best with 12 -15 years or more of age.

7,749 Views   Tasted
Very dark ruby in color, the smoky blackberries, cigar box and licorice aromatics are singing. There is a lot of freshness to the fruit, and the lower ABV levels make the wine feel lighter and refreshing on the palate, especially in the silky finish. This vintage shows elegance, complexity and restraint. The wine was produced from a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, reaching 13.5% ABV. The wine is being aged in 60% new, French oak barrels. The harvest took place from September 13 to October 19.

Very dark ruby in color, the smoky blackberries, cigar box and licorice aromatics are singing. There is a lot of freshness to the fruit, and the lower ABV levels make the wine feel lighter and refreshing on the palate, especially in the silky finish. This vintage shows elegance, complexity and restraint. The wine was produced from a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, reaching 13.5% ABV. The wine is being aged in 60% new, French oak barrels. The harvest took place from September 13 to October 19.

7,835 Views   Tasted
2016
93
Just squeezed lemons, limes, vanilla, almonds, flowers and orange create a gorgeous bouquet. A bit stronger on the nose than the palate, the wine is round, sweet, lush and fresh with a finish of grapefruit, vanilla and green apple.

Just squeezed lemons, limes, vanilla, almonds, flowers and orange create a gorgeous bouquet. A bit stronger on the nose than the palate, the wine is round, sweet, lush and fresh with a finish of grapefruit, vanilla and green apple.

3,586 Views   Tasted
Honeysuckle, sweet, bright, yellow citrus and vanilla pair perfectly here. Lush and fresh, with a finish of grapefruit, vanilla and green apple, this fleshy, white Bordeaux should drink well young.

Honeysuckle, sweet, bright, yellow citrus and vanilla pair perfectly here. Lush and fresh, with a finish of grapefruit, vanilla and green apple, this fleshy, white Bordeaux should drink well young.

2,324 Views   Tasted
Lemon custard, grapefruit, vanilla and green apples create the bouquet. Full bodied, sweet and fleshy, this should drink well young. The wine was produced from a blend of 55% Sauvignon Blanc 45% Semillon. No Sauvignon Gris was used in the blend this year. The wine is aging is taking place in a combination of foudre, concrete egg vats and new, French, oak barrels for 16 months.

Lemon custard, grapefruit, vanilla and green apples create the bouquet. Full bodied, sweet and fleshy, this should drink well young. The wine was produced from a blend of 55% Sauvignon Blanc 45% Semillon. No Sauvignon Gris was used in the blend this year. The wine is aging is taking place in a combination of foudre, concrete egg vats and new, French, oak barrels for 16 months.

2,847 Views   Tasted
2015
96
With a solid depth of color, it is easy to find the layers of dark, deep, sweet, ripe, lush, velvety, juicy fruits. Full bodied and concentrated, the wine shows sensuous textures and a smoky, dark cherry, licorice, truffle and chocolate edged finish. This is good now, and with time, it has all the right stuff to age into an even better wine. Give it at least 12 years in the cellar.

With a solid depth of color, it is easy to find the layers of dark, deep, sweet, ripe, lush, velvety, juicy fruits. Full bodied and concentrated, the wine shows sensuous textures and a smoky, dark cherry, licorice, truffle and chocolate edged finish. This is good now, and with time, it has all the right stuff to age into an even better wine. Give it at least 12 years in the cellar.

10,202 Views   Tasted
Dark, deep and intense, there is ample, smoky, chocolate covered, black cherries, plum and espresso in the nose to keep you busy, Full bodied and fat on the palate, the finish keeps on going with all its fruit. .

Dark, deep and intense, there is ample, smoky, chocolate covered, black cherries, plum and espresso in the nose to keep you busy, Full bodied and fat on the palate, the finish keeps on going with all its fruit. .

10,942 Views   Tasted
Deep, dark hues lead you to a chocolate covered, black cherry, smoke, caramel and coffee bean set of aromas. Fat and rich with power, density and lush textures on the palate, this wine was produced from a blend of 56% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. Reaching 14.2% ABV with a pH of 3.85, the picking took place from September 25 to October 15. The grand Vin represents 60% of the harvest. 94 - 96 Pts

Deep, dark hues lead you to a chocolate covered, black cherry, smoke, caramel and coffee bean set of aromas. Fat and rich with power, density and lush textures on the palate, this wine was produced from a blend of 56% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. Reaching 14.2% ABV with a pH of 3.85, the picking took place from September 25 to October 15. The grand Vin represents 60% of the harvest. 94 - 96 Pts

11,662 Views   Tasted
2015
94
With a pale yellow, green hue, the wine is packed with bright yellow citrus, pomelo, fresh cut grass and floral notes. On the palate the wine is sweet and vibrant, with a flinty edge The wine was made from blending 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Semillon.

With a pale yellow, green hue, the wine is packed with bright yellow citrus, pomelo, fresh cut grass and floral notes. On the palate the wine is sweet and vibrant, with a flinty edge The wine was made from blending 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Semillon.

3,908 Views   Tasted
Floral, with a stony edge to the fresh squeezed citrus. Full bodied, richly textured, almost voluptuous in nature, you also find vanilla, candied citrus peel, honeysuckle and bees wax.

Floral, with a stony edge to the fresh squeezed citrus. Full bodied, richly textured, almost voluptuous in nature, you also find vanilla, candied citrus peel, honeysuckle and bees wax.

2,703 Views   Tasted
Fresh citrus squeezed over rocks with a bit of honeysuckle gives you the right idea of the luscious, crisp, sweet, concentrated white Bordeaux wine.

Fresh citrus squeezed over rocks with a bit of honeysuckle gives you the right idea of the luscious, crisp, sweet, concentrated white Bordeaux wine.

2,736 Views   Tasted
Vanilla, candied citrus peel, honey, floral, lemon and crushed rocks on the nose. Full-bodied, rich and lush with ample freshness and a green apple, spicy lemon, vanilla, and candied grapefruit finish that is both fresh and refreshing. The wine, which reached 14.82% ABV, was produced from a blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon, and 10% Sauvignon. Gris. Aging will take place in a unique combination of foudre, concrete egg vats and new, French, oak barrels.

Vanilla, candied citrus peel, honey, floral, lemon and crushed rocks on the nose. Full-bodied, rich and lush with ample freshness and a green apple, spicy lemon, vanilla, and candied grapefruit finish that is both fresh and refreshing. The wine, which reached 14.82% ABV, was produced from a blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon, and 10% Sauvignon. Gris. Aging will take place in a unique combination of foudre, concrete egg vats and new, French, oak barrels.

2,576 Views   Tasted
2014
94
Cigar box, tobacco, smoke, licorice and blackberry aromatics open up the full bodied, fleshy wine. The fruit is fresh, ripe and rich, the tannins are refined and the texture is quite silky. A decade of time is warranted before pulling a cork here.

Cigar box, tobacco, smoke, licorice and blackberry aromatics open up the full bodied, fleshy wine. The fruit is fresh, ripe and rich, the tannins are refined and the texture is quite silky. A decade of time is warranted before pulling a cork here.

7,266 Views   Tasted
Rich, round and smoky, with a lush, blackberry, blackberry, coffee, licorice, dark chocolate and earthy profile. Length and volume create the luscious textured, fruit and espresso bean filled finish.

Rich, round and smoky, with a lush, blackberry, blackberry, coffee, licorice, dark chocolate and earthy profile. Length and volume create the luscious textured, fruit and espresso bean filled finish.

6,334 Views   Tasted
Deep ruby in color, the wine opens with floral, mineral, cherry, caramel and coffee bean scents. It is soft, fresh, round juicy on the palate, ending with sweet, blackberry, vanilla and black currants in the finish. Produced by blending 57.5% Merlot, 37.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.7% ABV with a pH of 3.7 92-93 Pts

Deep ruby in color, the wine opens with floral, mineral, cherry, caramel and coffee bean scents. It is soft, fresh, round juicy on the palate, ending with sweet, blackberry, vanilla and black currants in the finish. Produced by blending 57.5% Merlot, 37.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.7% ABV with a pH of 3.7 92-93 Pts

5,085 Views   Tasted
2014
92
A strong vanilla note is the first thing you notice, before looking for the yellow, citrus fruits, white peach and stone. Round, forward and easy to drink, this should improve with age.

A strong vanilla note is the first thing you notice, before looking for the yellow, citrus fruits, white peach and stone. Round, forward and easy to drink, this should improve with age.

3,639 Views   Tasted
There is a richness to the floral, spice, honeysuckle, lemon curd, grapefruit and vanilla filled wine. There is ample freshness to keep everything on high, as you expect.

There is a richness to the floral, spice, honeysuckle, lemon curd, grapefruit and vanilla filled wine. There is ample freshness to keep everything on high, as you expect.

3,015 Views   Tasted
Sweet, with an overlay of vanilla, honey, floral, lemon chiffon pie, grapefruit and green apple in the nose. Full bodied, rich and even with all that going on, the wine manages to retain its fresh appeal. The wine was produced from a blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon, and 10% Sauvignon Gris. 93 Pts

Sweet, with an overlay of vanilla, honey, floral, lemon chiffon pie, grapefruit and green apple in the nose. Full bodied, rich and even with all that going on, the wine manages to retain its fresh appeal. The wine was produced from a blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon, and 10% Sauvignon Gris. 93 Pts

1,988 Views   Tasted
2013
94
Fully mature, the display of slightly, honeyed, citrus, white peach and tropical orange fruits on the nose and palate hits the spot. Round, soft and lush, there is ample freshness to keep it lovely. Drink from 2023-2027.

Fully mature, the display of slightly, honeyed, citrus, white peach and tropical orange fruits on the nose and palate hits the spot. Round, soft and lush, there is ample freshness to keep it lovely. Drink from 2023-2027.

1,704 Views   Tasted
The freshness is apparent, which works well with all the just squeezed, grapefruit, lemon grass, orange and stone notes. The finish is all about the crisp, refreshing citrus with just a touch of honey.

The freshness is apparent, which works well with all the just squeezed, grapefruit, lemon grass, orange and stone notes. The finish is all about the crisp, refreshing citrus with just a touch of honey.

2,447 Views   Tasted
With a lot of fatness to the character, due to the blend of 44% Sauvignon Blanc, 16% Sauvignon Gris, 37% Semillon and 3% Muscadelle, (Which is a lot of Sauvignon Gris), the wine opens with a floral, vanilla, orange rind and sweet, lemon curd aromatic display. The wine definitely has length and volume.

With a lot of fatness to the character, due to the blend of 44% Sauvignon Blanc, 16% Sauvignon Gris, 37% Semillon and 3% Muscadelle, (Which is a lot of Sauvignon Gris), the wine opens with a floral, vanilla, orange rind and sweet, lemon curd aromatic display. The wine definitely has length and volume.

2,022 Views   Tasted
Vanilla, lemon, stone and pomelo scents are quickly followed by a plush layer of citrus rind and orange marmalade with ample lift in the finish. 92-94 Pts

Vanilla, lemon, stone and pomelo scents are quickly followed by a plush layer of citrus rind and orange marmalade with ample lift in the finish. 92-94 Pts

2,101 Views   Tasted
2013
89
Medium-bodied, rapidly maturing, easy to drink wine with soft, round fruits, a touch of oak and a short finish. This is not a bottle for long term aging or decanting. Now and over the next few years is best for this wine.

Medium-bodied, rapidly maturing, easy to drink wine with soft, round fruits, a touch of oak and a short finish. This is not a bottle for long term aging or decanting. Now and over the next few years is best for this wine.

3,963 Views   Tasted
A lighter, fresher style of Pape Clement which should make fans of the estate that feel vintages like 2009 and 2010 were over the top, right at home. With smoke, licorice, espresso and black cherry aromas poking through, the wine is round, polished, fruity and forward.

A lighter, fresher style of Pape Clement which should make fans of the estate that feel vintages like 2009 and 2010 were over the top, right at home. With smoke, licorice, espresso and black cherry aromas poking through, the wine is round, polished, fruity and forward.

3,236 Views   Tasted
With a smoke-filled nose of earthy black cherry, coffee bean and fennel, the dark-colored (for the vintage) wine is soft, polished and sweet, but just a bit short in the fresh black raspberry finish. From a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.5% ABV and is aging in 70% new, French oak. Fans of pre Bernard Magrez Pape Clement should be all over this lower ABV, less concentrated style of wine. 90-93 Pts

With a smoke-filled nose of earthy black cherry, coffee bean and fennel, the dark-colored (for the vintage) wine is soft, polished and sweet, but just a bit short in the fresh black raspberry finish. From a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.5% ABV and is aging in 70% new, French oak. Fans of pre Bernard Magrez Pape Clement should be all over this lower ABV, less concentrated style of wine. 90-93 Pts

2,648 Views   Tasted
2012
94
Blending 55% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Semillon and 15% Sauvignon Gris and perhaps a dash of Muscadelle worked perfectly. That is if you like the idea of sweet honeydew, grapefruit, orange and lemon zest, lift and vibrancy in your wine. I know I do and I really liked it!

Blending 55% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Semillon and 15% Sauvignon Gris and perhaps a dash of Muscadelle worked perfectly. That is if you like the idea of sweet honeydew, grapefruit, orange and lemon zest, lift and vibrancy in your wine. I know I do and I really liked it!

3,435 Views   Tasted
2012
93
Earth, truffle, tobacco and smoke work perfectly with the lush, sweet, ripe blackberries and espresso character that this soft, plush wine serves up in spades. There is good freshness and character to the fruit from start to finish. The wine was produced from a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc.

Earth, truffle, tobacco and smoke work perfectly with the lush, sweet, ripe blackberries and espresso character that this soft, plush wine serves up in spades. There is good freshness and character to the fruit from start to finish. The wine was produced from a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc.

7,386 Views   Tasted
Inky in color; black and blue fruits, licorice, smoke and oak create the aromatics. On the palate, the wine is fresh, fleshy, rich and bold, with a concentrated finish packed with ripe dark berries and licorice. For tasters that found more heralded vintages over the top, this is a wine they should look into. 92-94 Pts

Inky in color; black and blue fruits, licorice, smoke and oak create the aromatics. On the palate, the wine is fresh, fleshy, rich and bold, with a concentrated finish packed with ripe dark berries and licorice. For tasters that found more heralded vintages over the top, this is a wine they should look into. 92-94 Pts

6,673 Views   Tasted
2011
94
Blending 40% Sauvignon, 35% Semillon, 16% Sauvignon Gris and 9% Muscadelle produced a wine with a vanilla, floral, lemon, lime and grapefruit personality. Rich, but not over the top, the fresh, crisp, citrus and grapefruit finish filled out nicely.

Blending 40% Sauvignon, 35% Semillon, 16% Sauvignon Gris and 9% Muscadelle produced a wine with a vanilla, floral, lemon, lime and grapefruit personality. Rich, but not over the top, the fresh, crisp, citrus and grapefruit finish filled out nicely.

4,070 Views   Tasted
Lemon, lime, grapefruit and vanilla notes give way to a sweet, concentrated, plump and fresh citrus oil finish. 93-95 Pts

Lemon, lime, grapefruit and vanilla notes give way to a sweet, concentrated, plump and fresh citrus oil finish. 93-95 Pts

2,396 Views   Tasted
2011
91
Tight, needs effort to bring up the earthy, smoke filled perfume, with its coffee bean and blackberry notes. Soft, and polished, there is a dryness in the finish that stops the wine from scoring higher.

Tight, needs effort to bring up the earthy, smoke filled perfume, with its coffee bean and blackberry notes. Soft, and polished, there is a dryness in the finish that stops the wine from scoring higher.

4,035 Views   Tasted
This wine blends equal portions Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and was aged in 100% new oak. Coffee, licorice, blackberry and tobacco smoke make up the perfume. This medium-bodied wine has some dryness in the finish and ends with black cherry, spice and raspberry. 90-92 Pts

This wine blends equal portions Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and was aged in 100% new oak. Coffee, licorice, blackberry and tobacco smoke make up the perfume. This medium-bodied wine has some dryness in the finish and ends with black cherry, spice and raspberry. 90-92 Pts

4,794 Views   Tasted
2010
95
Fat, deep, intense and packed with licorice, smoke, fresh ground coffee beans, black cherries, fennel, blue fruits, earth and plums. Thick, rich, full bodied, lush textured and packed with layers of rich, dark berries, chocolate and oak, this blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc produced a strong vintage for Pape Clement.

Fat, deep, intense and packed with licorice, smoke, fresh ground coffee beans, black cherries, fennel, blue fruits, earth and plums. Thick, rich, full bodied, lush textured and packed with layers of rich, dark berries, chocolate and oak, this blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc produced a strong vintage for Pape Clement.

7,418 Views   Tasted
Pape Clement - Black in color, smoke, truffle, burning wood, jammy blackberry, earth and hot stone aromas are found with ease. This concentrated, powerful wine is filled with sweet, ripe, boysenberry, cassis and licorice. Polished, supple and opulent in texture, the wine ends with a long pure fresh, blackberry liqueur sensation. Some tasters will appreciate that this is toned down from the full throttle 2005. 94-97

Pape Clement - Black in color, smoke, truffle, burning wood, jammy blackberry, earth and hot stone aromas are found with ease. This concentrated, powerful wine is filled with sweet, ripe, boysenberry, cassis and licorice. Polished, supple and opulent in texture, the wine ends with a long pure fresh, blackberry liqueur sensation. Some tasters will appreciate that this is toned down from the full throttle 2005. 94-97

7,766 Views   Tasted
2010
94
Sweet, rich, fat, juicy and packed with fresh, ripe, citrus, grapefruit, vanilla bean, stone and candied lemon peel, the wine is concentrated, vibrant and lively and a lot of pep and energy.

Sweet, rich, fat, juicy and packed with fresh, ripe, citrus, grapefruit, vanilla bean, stone and candied lemon peel, the wine is concentrated, vibrant and lively and a lot of pep and energy.

6,258 Views   Tasted
2010
89
Forward, open, medium bodied and easy to drink, with its soft, cherry, tobacco, earthy, espresso filled core.

Forward, open, medium bodied and easy to drink, with its soft, cherry, tobacco, earthy, espresso filled core.

5,371 Views   Tasted
2009
97
Deep garnet in color, the wine inches closer to maturity with truffle, cigar box, leather, salty plums, tobacco leaf and red berries. Full-bodied, lushly textured, with ripe, polished, round tannins and some oak remaining to be resolved, the finish serves up layers of ripe, dark, velvet textured, polished fruits. This is still primary, so 6-8 more years of aging will come close to bringing this around. If you cannot wait that long, give it 2-3 hours of air.

Deep garnet in color, the wine inches closer to maturity with truffle, cigar box, leather, salty plums, tobacco leaf and red berries. Full-bodied, lushly textured, with ripe, polished, round tannins and some oak remaining to be resolved, the finish serves up layers of ripe, dark, velvet textured, polished fruits. This is still primary, so 6-8 more years of aging will come close to bringing this around. If you cannot wait that long, give it 2-3 hours of air.

5,147 Views   Tasted
As the oak further integrates and the earthy, smoky complexities of Pessac continues its progress, this is clearly improving in the bottle. The opulent, sensuous mouth feel and velvety finish tops everything off nicely.

As the oak further integrates and the earthy, smoky complexities of Pessac continues its progress, this is clearly improving in the bottle. The opulent, sensuous mouth feel and velvety finish tops everything off nicely.

9,603 Views   Tasted
Continuing to flesh out, the oak has faded quite a bit from bottling. Deep in color, with a smoke filled, silky, soft, polished, sensuous personality, the fruit is ripe, dense, pure, clean and opulent. The wine feels great on your palate. I look forward to seeing how this develops.

Continuing to flesh out, the oak has faded quite a bit from bottling. Deep in color, with a smoke filled, silky, soft, polished, sensuous personality, the fruit is ripe, dense, pure, clean and opulent. The wine feels great on your palate. I look forward to seeing how this develops.

10,064 Views   Tasted
The famous property continues to dial back their wine making, Where some recent vintages could be described as a bit much, this is a strong, balanced effort. With smoke, licorice, coffee bean, blackberry and chocolate aromas, Rich, dense and packed with layers of juicy, ripe fruit, this sexy wine produced from a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc ends with a long, deep, lush, finish.

The famous property continues to dial back their wine making, Where some recent vintages could be described as a bit much, this is a strong, balanced effort. With smoke, licorice, coffee bean, blackberry and chocolate aromas, Rich, dense and packed with layers of juicy, ripe fruit, this sexy wine produced from a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc ends with a long, deep, lush, finish.

10,896 Views   Tasted
2009
97
Deep yellow in yellow in color, the wine is full, deep and lively. The layers of lemon, pomelo, green apple, vanilla and spice seem to keep on coming. The wine builds in intensity and complexity on your palate. The finish adds a honeyed tint to the juicy blast of citrus. This is a super bottle of white Bordeaux that is just about to enter its plateau of maturity.

Deep yellow in yellow in color, the wine is full, deep and lively. The layers of lemon, pomelo, green apple, vanilla and spice seem to keep on coming. The wine builds in intensity and complexity on your palate. The finish adds a honeyed tint to the juicy blast of citrus. This is a super bottle of white Bordeaux that is just about to enter its plateau of maturity.

3,287 Views   Tasted
Big, rich, powerful, bold and lush, the ripe, slightly honeyed lemons, vanilla bean and stone elements are in full force. Still young, this should have a long life.

Big, rich, powerful, bold and lush, the ripe, slightly honeyed lemons, vanilla bean and stone elements are in full force. Still young, this should have a long life.

3,960 Views   Tasted
Fresh, forward and fun to drink, there is the right amount of minerality, ripe citrus, flowers, vanilla, honey and butterscotch to get your focus. On the palate, the wine is concentrated, soft, polished and bright with a lot of sweetness and acidity in the finish.

Fresh, forward and fun to drink, there is the right amount of minerality, ripe citrus, flowers, vanilla, honey and butterscotch to get your focus. On the palate, the wine is concentrated, soft, polished and bright with a lot of sweetness and acidity in the finish.

3,121 Views   Tasted
Blending 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon, 16% Sauvignon Gris and 9% Muscadelle, the nose pops with honeydew, flowers, honey, candied lemon rind and sweet tropical fruit. The perfect amount of fruit, sugar and acidity allow for dense layers of ripe fruit coupled with ample lift to keep it fresh. This is not heavy or close to being over the top, it's a beautiful, complex, harmonious expression of White Bordeaux wine from Pessac Leognan. You can drink this now for its young, vibrant fruit or age for 10-20 years. Either way, it's delicious.

Blending 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon, 16% Sauvignon Gris and 9% Muscadelle, the nose pops with honeydew, flowers, honey, candied lemon rind and sweet tropical fruit. The perfect amount of fruit, sugar and acidity allow for dense layers of ripe fruit coupled with ample lift to keep it fresh. This is not heavy or close to being over the top, it's a beautiful, complex, harmonious expression of White Bordeaux wine from Pessac Leognan. You can drink this now for its young, vibrant fruit or age for 10-20 years. Either way, it's delicious.

4,632 Views   Tasted
From a blend of 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon, 16% Sauvignon Gris and 9% Muscadelle, this unctuous, powerful, mineral driven wine offers floral, grapefruit, apple, honey, citrus rind, lemon and pineapple notes in the perfume. The copious layers of concentrated ripe fruit combine with the right amount of acidity keeping the rich wine feeling fresh.

From a blend of 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon, 16% Sauvignon Gris and 9% Muscadelle, this unctuous, powerful, mineral driven wine offers floral, grapefruit, apple, honey, citrus rind, lemon and pineapple notes in the perfume. The copious layers of concentrated ripe fruit combine with the right amount of acidity keeping the rich wine feeling fresh.

4,601 Views   Tasted
2009
88
Medium bodied, round, forward, easy to drink wine with a cherry, espresso, smoke, licorice and vanilla character for current drinking. The wine was made from a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Medium bodied, round, forward, easy to drink wine with a cherry, espresso, smoke, licorice and vanilla character for current drinking. The wine was made from a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon.

4,225 Views   Tasted
2008
95
Young, full bodied, rich and intense, the wine is loaded with dark fruit, which you can easily see in its color. There is intensity, earthyness, smoke, licorice, espresso and black cherry from start to finish. The wine is a fabulous balance between the sweet fruits, youthful character and promise of future complexities.

Young, full bodied, rich and intense, the wine is loaded with dark fruit, which you can easily see in its color. There is intensity, earthyness, smoke, licorice, espresso and black cherry from start to finish. The wine is a fabulous balance between the sweet fruits, youthful character and promise of future complexities.

3,456 Views   Tasted
Pape Clement expresses smoke, tar, tobacco, cassis, cherry pipe tobacco and espresso in the perfume. Full bodied and richly textured, this round, concentrated wine ends with blackberry, cassis and bitter chocolate.

Pape Clement expresses smoke, tar, tobacco, cassis, cherry pipe tobacco and espresso in the perfume. Full bodied and richly textured, this round, concentrated wine ends with blackberry, cassis and bitter chocolate.

7,622 Views   Tasted
2008
94
Still young in color, there is a depth of flavor in this slightly honeyed, stony, floral, citrus loaded wine that combines freshness, richness and vibrancy.

Still young in color, there is a depth of flavor in this slightly honeyed, stony, floral, citrus loaded wine that combines freshness, richness and vibrancy.

2,448 Views   Tasted
With a deep yellow, gold hue, the wine opens with lemon wax, crushed rock and citrus peel notes. The wine is full bodied, deep and rich, with a honeyed, crushed and citrus finish that resolves with ample vibrancy and fruit.

With a deep yellow, gold hue, the wine opens with lemon wax, crushed rock and citrus peel notes. The wine is full bodied, deep and rich, with a honeyed, crushed and citrus finish that resolves with ample vibrancy and fruit.

2,429 Views   Tasted
Loads of juicy, sweet, fresh, crisp grapefruit, flowers and a bit of honey open the perfume. In the mouth, the wine offers that same, fresh mildly honeyed, yellow citrus, with an invigorating, yellow, citrus finish. This is drinking well today.

Loads of juicy, sweet, fresh, crisp grapefruit, flowers and a bit of honey open the perfume. In the mouth, the wine offers that same, fresh mildly honeyed, yellow citrus, with an invigorating, yellow, citrus finish. This is drinking well today.

3,316 Views   Tasted
2007
91
Smoke, herbs, tobacco and cassis on the nose. Medium bodied, soft, light in fruit, but lots of charm, this is fully mature and requires drinking over the next 3-7 years.

Smoke, herbs, tobacco and cassis on the nose. Medium bodied, soft, light in fruit, but lots of charm, this is fully mature and requires drinking over the next 3-7 years.

2,940 Views   Tasted
A powerful nose filled with vanilla bean, lemon, white nectarine, citrus oil, floral and lime scents. Full bodied and rich, with an intensity of flavor, this oily, white Bordeaux wine fills your mouth with flavor and freshness.

A powerful nose filled with vanilla bean, lemon, white nectarine, citrus oil, floral and lime scents. Full bodied and rich, with an intensity of flavor, this oily, white Bordeaux wine fills your mouth with flavor and freshness.

4,226 Views   Tasted
2007
91
Smoke, herbs, tobacco and cassis on the nose. Medium bodied, soft, light in fruit, but lots of charm, this is fully mature and requires drinking over the next 4-6 years.

Smoke, herbs, tobacco and cassis on the nose. Medium bodied, soft, light in fruit, but lots of charm, this is fully mature and requires drinking over the next 4-6 years.

6,103 Views   Tasted
2006
93
Showing the beginning of secondary aromatics with its forest floor, truffle, smoke, earth and dark red fruits, the wine is fleshy, rich, concentrated and still youthful. Give it a few more years to soften, allowing the wood to better integrate, as it still shows wood tones on the palate, and this should be markedly better.

Showing the beginning of secondary aromatics with its forest floor, truffle, smoke, earth and dark red fruits, the wine is fleshy, rich, concentrated and still youthful. Give it a few more years to soften, allowing the wood to better integrate, as it still shows wood tones on the palate, and this should be markedly better.

4,708 Views   Tasted
With a smoke, earth. blackberry jam and cigar box perfume, round tannins, full body and a concentrated, tannic, jammy black cherry finish, the wine requires another 5 years to soften, allowing the oak to integrate and to display more secondary characteristics.

With a smoke, earth. blackberry jam and cigar box perfume, round tannins, full body and a concentrated, tannic, jammy black cherry finish, the wine requires another 5 years to soften, allowing the oak to integrate and to display more secondary characteristics.

5,845 Views   Tasted
The wines kicks off with smoke filled aromatics. It's plush mouth feel ends with a ripe, tannic filled, blackberry blast. This is a big style of Pape Clement. The winemaker says 06 reminds him of a more tannic version of the 04.

The wines kicks off with smoke filled aromatics. It's plush mouth feel ends with a ripe, tannic filled, blackberry blast. This is a big style of Pape Clement. The winemaker says 06 reminds him of a more tannic version of the 04.

7,725 Views   Tasted
2006
93
Perfectly balancing all the sweet, ripe, pure, fresh, citrus, pomelo accented fruits with refreshing acidity, vanilla and a honeysuckle twist that brings more nuance to the wine. Developing nicely, drink this now or in a decade or two.

Perfectly balancing all the sweet, ripe, pure, fresh, citrus, pomelo accented fruits with refreshing acidity, vanilla and a honeysuckle twist that brings more nuance to the wine. Developing nicely, drink this now or in a decade or two.

2,738 Views   Tasted
2005
96
What most people miss with Pape Clement, is that the wine is so concentrated, intense and a bit oaky in its youth, it needs cellaring time to really reveal its all. Still youthful here, another 5-7 years are needed before everything really starts coming together. Still, it is impossible not to see and enjoy the intensity, purity, depth of flavor, length and richness. The tannins are ripe, the texture is akin to velvet and the smoky, dark berries in the finish resonate for ages. Opened in the name of science, I'm waiting another 5 years before popping another bottle. I'm thinking my score could also pop another Pt or 2, once this really gets going.

What most people miss with Pape Clement, is that the wine is so concentrated, intense and a bit oaky in its youth, it needs cellaring time to really reveal its all. Still youthful here, another 5-7 years are needed before everything really starts coming together. Still, it is impossible not to see and enjoy the intensity, purity, depth of flavor, length and richness. The tannins are ripe, the texture is akin to velvet and the smoky, dark berries in the finish resonate for ages. Opened in the name of science, I'm waiting another 5 years before popping another bottle. I'm thinking my score could also pop another Pt or 2, once this really gets going.

6,118 Views   Tasted
Full bodied, lusciously textured, opulent, ripe, sweet, black fruits are all over the place. Still youthful, as the oak continues to better integrate, this is growing on me. Give it until at least 2020 and this should be rockin'!

Full bodied, lusciously textured, opulent, ripe, sweet, black fruits are all over the place. Still youthful, as the oak continues to better integrate, this is growing on me. Give it until at least 2020 and this should be rockin'!

9,381 Views   Tasted
Secondary aromas of smoke, tobacco, wet earth, dark red fruits and lead pencil are already showing. Full bodied, concentrated and rich, the wine is silky, lush and the oak has mostly integrated into the wine, leaving you with sweet, velvety, ripe dark red fruits on the palate.

Secondary aromas of smoke, tobacco, wet earth, dark red fruits and lead pencil are already showing. Full bodied, concentrated and rich, the wine is silky, lush and the oak has mostly integrated into the wine, leaving you with sweet, velvety, ripe dark red fruits on the palate.

6,732 Views   Tasted
Still deep in color, this blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon provides complex aromas of smoke, truffle, licorice, black and blue fruit, earth, tobacco leaf, espresso bean and forest smells. Massive and intense, the wine flows over your palate with the weight of motor oil. As rich as it is, the fruit is incredibly polished, pure, refined and in balance. I’d hold off on popping a bottle until 2015-2020.

Still deep in color, this blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon provides complex aromas of smoke, truffle, licorice, black and blue fruit, earth, tobacco leaf, espresso bean and forest smells. Massive and intense, the wine flows over your palate with the weight of motor oil. As rich as it is, the fruit is incredibly polished, pure, refined and in balance. I’d hold off on popping a bottle until 2015-2020.

10,932 Views   Tasted
Incredible richness, density and levels of liquefied fruit oooze across your palate. Not heavy or ponderous, it remains balanced and elegant. The is the finest Pape Clement ever produced.

Incredible richness, density and levels of liquefied fruit oooze across your palate. Not heavy or ponderous, it remains balanced and elegant. The is the finest Pape Clement ever produced.

8,056 Views   Tasted
2005
95
This continues developing nicely. The complex nose kicks off with fresh citrus, peach, honeysuckle and vanilla notes that bring you to a fresh, lemony blast of fruit that is kept fresh, due to its ample levels of acidity. This is drinking well now and has room for improvement.

This continues developing nicely. The complex nose kicks off with fresh citrus, peach, honeysuckle and vanilla notes that bring you to a fresh, lemony blast of fruit that is kept fresh, due to its ample levels of acidity. This is drinking well now and has room for improvement.

2,868 Views   Tasted
2004
90
Rich and concentrated, the ripe dark berries, soft tannins and round textures make this easy to drink.

Rich and concentrated, the ripe dark berries, soft tannins and round textures make this easy to drink.

3,680 Views   Tasted
With a perfume of smoke, tobacco, coffee, blackberries and jam, this supple textured, ripe, round wine offers a lot of voluptuous, spicy black cherries,cassis, tobacco and earthy tones. Give it a few more years and this delicious Pessac Leognan wine will add more complexity and roundness.

With a perfume of smoke, tobacco, coffee, blackberries and jam, this supple textured, ripe, round wine offers a lot of voluptuous, spicy black cherries,cassis, tobacco and earthy tones. Give it a few more years and this delicious Pessac Leognan wine will add more complexity and roundness.

8,131 Views   Tasted
2003
92
Smoke, fresh roasted Espresso beans, blackberry jam, chocolate, tobacco and forest aromas led off the wine. On the palate, the wine had plush textures and ample black and blue fruits, finishing with silky, chocolate covered cherries and coffee sensations. Well-made and fun to taste. But something was missing that would not allow me to buy the wine. Close, but no cigar.

Smoke, fresh roasted Espresso beans, blackberry jam, chocolate, tobacco and forest aromas led off the wine. On the palate, the wine had plush textures and ample black and blue fruits, finishing with silky, chocolate covered cherries and coffee sensations. Well-made and fun to taste. But something was missing that would not allow me to buy the wine. Close, but no cigar.

5,729 Views   Tasted
2002
92
Drinking surprisingly well at 10 years of age, the wine opens with licorice, smoke, blackberry and black cherry jam, tobacco and earth with a hint of espresso bean. The wine is soft, round and plush, finishing with a sweet, black cherry and cocoa sensation.

Drinking surprisingly well at 10 years of age, the wine opens with licorice, smoke, blackberry and black cherry jam, tobacco and earth with a hint of espresso bean. The wine is soft, round and plush, finishing with a sweet, black cherry and cocoa sensation.

3,320 Views   Tasted
2001
92
Smoke, licorice, coffee bean, cocoa and ripe black cherry notes pop, the moment the cork leaves the bottle. Silky, soft and lush on the palate, the only drawback is the oak on the rich, finish, which is a little drying.

Smoke, licorice, coffee bean, cocoa and ripe black cherry notes pop, the moment the cork leaves the bottle. Silky, soft and lush on the palate, the only drawback is the oak on the rich, finish, which is a little drying.

5,435 Views   Tasted
Smoke, cherry pipe tobacco, licorice, vanilla, truffle and crème de cassis scents play well with the soft, sensuous textures and an inviting, fresh, cassis and spicy blackberry finish, While not mature, this is offering a lot of pleasure today.

Smoke, cherry pipe tobacco, licorice, vanilla, truffle and crème de cassis scents play well with the soft, sensuous textures and an inviting, fresh, cassis and spicy blackberry finish, While not mature, this is offering a lot of pleasure today.

6,046 Views   Tasted
This delicious, complex and close to mature wine blended smoke, spice, tobacco and currants in the perfume. Full bodied and with the texture of silk, this rich wine ends with a long supple, ripe, fruit filled finish.

This delicious, complex and close to mature wine blended smoke, spice, tobacco and currants in the perfume. Full bodied and with the texture of silk, this rich wine ends with a long supple, ripe, fruit filled finish.

6,129 Views   Tasted
2000
95
Still young, deep and dark in color. The nose, with its black cherries, cigar box, licorice, smoke, camphor and plums is attention grabbing. Full-bodied, lush, polished and rich, the wine finished with dark chocolate, peppery spice, ripe and almost over ripe black cherries with a touch of espresso on the backend that lingers. Drink from 2023-2045,

Still young, deep and dark in color. The nose, with its black cherries, cigar box, licorice, smoke, camphor and plums is attention grabbing. Full-bodied, lush, polished and rich, the wine finished with dark chocolate, peppery spice, ripe and almost over ripe black cherries with a touch of espresso on the backend that lingers. Drink from 2023-2045,

2,607 Views   Tasted
Youthful, but continuing to develop well, the wine is full-bodied, rich, and lush, with layers of dark black and deep red fruits, smoke, wet earth, mocha, and tobacco. There is length, and depth, with a long, lushly-textured finish. Drink from 2022-2040.

Youthful, but continuing to develop well, the wine is full-bodied, rich, and lush, with layers of dark black and deep red fruits, smoke, wet earth, mocha, and tobacco. There is length, and depth, with a long, lushly-textured finish. Drink from 2022-2040.

3,212 Views   Tasted
Rich, lushly textured, full-bodied wine packed with dark red fruits, smoke, tobacco, thyme, espresso, and cigar box notes on the nose and palate. The wine has body and depth, with a long, polished finish loaded with smoky, dark red fruits and leafy herbs. This is drinking quite well and should remain at this level for 15-20 years with ease, and good storage.

Rich, lushly textured, full-bodied wine packed with dark red fruits, smoke, tobacco, thyme, espresso, and cigar box notes on the nose and palate. The wine has body and depth, with a long, polished finish loaded with smoky, dark red fruits and leafy herbs. This is drinking quite well and should remain at this level for 15-20 years with ease, and good storage.

4,964 Views   Tasted
I love when a wine comes together. Oaky in its youth, this has really come around. Now, you find more smoke, truffle, clay, cigar box, blackberry and spice. On the palate, the silky, smoky, rich and full bodied. The fruit is deep, dark long and fleshy with a finish that sticks with you. Decanted abut 1 hour and enjoyed over the bext 3 hours. If you have a bottle you have been waiting to open, this is a good time to popping the cork.

I love when a wine comes together. Oaky in its youth, this has really come around. Now, you find more smoke, truffle, clay, cigar box, blackberry and spice. On the palate, the silky, smoky, rich and full bodied. The fruit is deep, dark long and fleshy with a finish that sticks with you. Decanted abut 1 hour and enjoyed over the bext 3 hours. If you have a bottle you have been waiting to open, this is a good time to popping the cork.

4,918 Views   Tasted
Still young, the smoky, sweet and tart cherry, espresso and earthy aromatics open up with ease, especially after 90 minutes in the decanter. Full bodied and with ample concentration, the oak is still present on the palate, which takes away from the fruit at 17 years of age. Give it another half a decade to see if this all comes together. The wine was produced from a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot.

Still young, the smoky, sweet and tart cherry, espresso and earthy aromatics open up with ease, especially after 90 minutes in the decanter. Full bodied and with ample concentration, the oak is still present on the palate, which takes away from the fruit at 17 years of age. Give it another half a decade to see if this all comes together. The wine was produced from a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot.

5,168 Views   Tasted
Deep ruby, with some lightening to the color, but it's fairly dark for 16 years of age. On the nose, oak, smoke, eucalyptus, blackberry, plum, tobacco and a hint of truffle, that is trying to poke through, but just cannot get there. Very concentrated, fresh, young, rich and loaded with ripe, juicy, blackberries and a hint of dark chocolate in the soft, opulent, textural finish. This is still quite young, lush and vibrant. I'd wait 4-5 years before popping another bottle. The wine was decanted about 90 minutes when I wrote this note. I upgraded the score with 2.5 hours of air, which added a really silky feel to the wine. It will be interesting to see how this progresses tonight. If the oak fades into the wine, and that could take a while, this will deserve a much higher score as there is a lot of obvious quality in this wine.

Deep ruby, with some lightening to the color, but it's fairly dark for 16 years of age. On the nose, oak, smoke, eucalyptus, blackberry, plum, tobacco and a hint of truffle, that is trying to poke through, but just cannot get there. Very concentrated, fresh, young, rich and loaded with ripe, juicy, blackberries and a hint of dark chocolate in the soft, opulent, textural finish. This is still quite young, lush and vibrant. I'd wait 4-5 years before popping another bottle. The wine was decanted about 90 minutes when I wrote this note. I upgraded the score with 2.5 hours of air, which added a really silky feel to the wine. It will be interesting to see how this progresses tonight. If the oak fades into the wine, and that could take a while, this will deserve a much higher score as there is a lot of obvious quality in this wine.

6,401 Views   Tasted
This has not budged in a year. Still young, the nose offers incense, smoke, blackberry, boysenberry and earthy scents. The wine is soft. The tannins are refined. But the fruit is subdued and primary. There is a lot of upside potential if you are patient. 5-10 years is needed before it matures.

This has not budged in a year. Still young, the nose offers incense, smoke, blackberry, boysenberry and earthy scents. The wine is soft. The tannins are refined. But the fruit is subdued and primary. There is a lot of upside potential if you are patient. 5-10 years is needed before it matures.

5,319 Views   Tasted
Intense aromas of smoke, tar, cigar ash, blackberry, boysenberry and cocoa. This seems to have become more structured over the past years. It's not quite as flamboyant. Concentrated, full bodied and rich, a hours in the decanted added a lot to the wine and helped it soften and flesh out. I'd give it 3-5 years before popping a bottle.

Intense aromas of smoke, tar, cigar ash, blackberry, boysenberry and cocoa. This seems to have become more structured over the past years. It's not quite as flamboyant. Concentrated, full bodied and rich, a hours in the decanted added a lot to the wine and helped it soften and flesh out. I'd give it 3-5 years before popping a bottle.

7,795 Views   Tasted
Deep in color, with tobacco, smoke, earth, caramel, cassis, espresso bean and blackberry aromatics. The wine is full bodied, concentrated, rich, ripe and round, the tannins are soft and the lush finish is packed with cassis, tobacco and cherry sensations. This is starting to drink well, although another year or two will add more softness and complexity to the wine.

Deep in color, with tobacco, smoke, earth, caramel, cassis, espresso bean and blackberry aromatics. The wine is full bodied, concentrated, rich, ripe and round, the tannins are soft and the lush finish is packed with cassis, tobacco and cherry sensations. This is starting to drink well, although another year or two will add more softness and complexity to the wine.

7,105 Views   Tasted
With scents of earth, tobacco, cassis, cocoa, ripe blackberries, espresso bean, spice and jam, this blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon is rich, round and concentrated. Opulently textured, and still young, this deep, plush wine ends with ripe black cherries, cassis, spice, bitter chocolate and smoky flavors.

With scents of earth, tobacco, cassis, cocoa, ripe blackberries, espresso bean, spice and jam, this blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon is rich, round and concentrated. Opulently textured, and still young, this deep, plush wine ends with ripe black cherries, cassis, spice, bitter chocolate and smoky flavors.

8,632 Views   Tasted
Jammy black fruit, anise, tobacco and black cherry tones greet your nose. This is big, fat, ripe, intense and filled with layers of rich, round black fruits.

Jammy black fruit, anise, tobacco and black cherry tones greet your nose. This is big, fat, ripe, intense and filled with layers of rich, round black fruits.

10,699 Views   Tasted
1999
90
Medium/full bodied, with a spicy nose that also counts smoke, black cherry, tobacco, olives and forest leaf notes in its nuances. Soft, round and with a fresh attitude to the red fruits on the palate, the wine is at peak maturity today.

Medium/full bodied, with a spicy nose that also counts smoke, black cherry, tobacco, olives and forest leaf notes in its nuances. Soft, round and with a fresh attitude to the red fruits on the palate, the wine is at peak maturity today.

4,407 Views   Tasted
1998
91
The first vintage of Pape Clement with the stamp of Bernard Magrez is probably drinking at close to its peak today, with a tobacco, cherry, earth, smoke and truffle nose. The wine starts soft on the palate, but there is a dusty, rough note in the finish that is a little harsh. Still, the spicy, dark fruits and cocoa in the end are quite nice. There is probably no real hurry to drink this wine, but I am not sure it needs more age.

The first vintage of Pape Clement with the stamp of Bernard Magrez is probably drinking at close to its peak today, with a tobacco, cherry, earth, smoke and truffle nose. The wine starts soft on the palate, but there is a dusty, rough note in the finish that is a little harsh. Still, the spicy, dark fruits and cocoa in the end are quite nice. There is probably no real hurry to drink this wine, but I am not sure it needs more age.

5,153 Views   Tasted
1996
90
Fully mature, with a smoky, thyme, earth, lit cigar, leafy forest and cassis filled nose. There is a slight sense of rusticity on the medium bodied, palate that alternates between fresh cassis and cranberry fruits in the finish. I'd probably opt for drinking this sooner than later.

Fully mature, with a smoky, thyme, earth, lit cigar, leafy forest and cassis filled nose. There is a slight sense of rusticity on the medium bodied, palate that alternates between fresh cassis and cranberry fruits in the finish. I'd probably opt for drinking this sooner than later.

4,476 Views   Tasted
1995
88
Like many wines from the 1995 vintage, the tannins remain hard, and the wine has taken on a firm, strict character. The secondary, smoke, espresso, tobacco and dark cherry nose is fine, but on the tough palate, the wine is not much fun to drink.

Like many wines from the 1995 vintage, the tannins remain hard, and the wine has taken on a firm, strict character. The secondary, smoke, espresso, tobacco and dark cherry nose is fine, but on the tough palate, the wine is not much fun to drink.

4,440 Views   Tasted
1990
92
Smoke, tobacco and smoked dark, red fruits sums this up nicely. Tasting and smelling like a cigar, burning cedar wood, smoked meats, earth dark, red fruits also made an appearance. The texture has started taking on the patina of age, but be forewarned, the cigar and smoke elements carry through from the nose and the palate. So, you have to like that character. The table was mixed on the wine. But I liked it. Fully mature, popped and poured, decanting was not needed here.

Smoke, tobacco and smoked dark, red fruits sums this up nicely. Tasting and smelling like a cigar, burning cedar wood, smoked meats, earth dark, red fruits also made an appearance. The texture has started taking on the patina of age, but be forewarned, the cigar and smoke elements carry through from the nose and the palate. So, you have to like that character. The table was mixed on the wine. But I liked it. Fully mature, popped and poured, decanting was not needed here.

4,110 Views   Tasted
Spice, bbq, smoke, pepper, black cherry, hot bricks and dry leaves make up the . Medium/full bodied, with a soft textured, jammy black raspberry and kirsch filled finish, this Bordeaux wine is fully mature and is drinking perfectly today. But I would not hold it hoping it will get better, this Pessac Leognan needs to be enjoyed over the next 5-10 years.

Spice, bbq, smoke, pepper, black cherry, hot bricks and dry leaves make up the . Medium/full bodied, with a soft textured, jammy black raspberry and kirsch filled finish, this Bordeaux wine is fully mature and is drinking perfectly today. But I would not hold it hoping it will get better, this Pessac Leognan needs to be enjoyed over the next 5-10 years.

6,612 Views   Tasted
Fully mature and ready to rock. This elegant wine offers a lot of pleasure with its tobacco scented, black fruit profile. Silky and elegant. This is the prefect time to catch this wine

Fully mature and ready to rock. This elegant wine offers a lot of pleasure with its tobacco scented, black fruit profile. Silky and elegant. This is the prefect time to catch this wine

7,072 Views   Tasted
A light ruby color greets your eyes. Notes of tobacco, smoke, cassis, blackberries & herbs says hello to your mouth. And your palate is met by a ripe, spicy, blackberry pie washed down with a dose of cassis. Very full bodied, rich, silky entry with good concentration of ripe fruit.

A light ruby color greets your eyes. Notes of tobacco, smoke, cassis, blackberries & herbs says hello to your mouth. And your palate is met by a ripe, spicy, blackberry pie washed down with a dose of cassis. Very full bodied, rich, silky entry with good concentration of ripe fruit.

4,078 Views   Tasted
1989
91
This has morphed into a very fine, fully mature Bordeaux. The wine features earthy, black fruit and smoke aromas and offers a good palate presence.

This has morphed into a very fine, fully mature Bordeaux. The wine features earthy, black fruit and smoke aromas and offers a good palate presence.

4,760 Views   Tasted
1988
91
Full mature, medium-bodied, soft and round, the wine is quite smoky, with loads of tobacco, ash, cigar box and cigar wrapper that accompanies the lifted, earthy, red fruits. Not a showy wine, this is classic in nature, with a bright red fruit and tobacco leaf finish. There is no reason to age this for further development.

Full mature, medium-bodied, soft and round, the wine is quite smoky, with loads of tobacco, ash, cigar box and cigar wrapper that accompanies the lifted, earthy, red fruits. Not a showy wine, this is classic in nature, with a bright red fruit and tobacco leaf finish. There is no reason to age this for further development.

6,155 Views   Tasted
1975
84
1975 Pape Clement is filled with smoke, cedar, cassis, peppery and earthy aromas. This fully mature, lean, austere wine ends with dark fruit and coca powder sensations. Drink up.

1975 Pape Clement is filled with smoke, cedar, cassis, peppery and earthy aromas. This fully mature, lean, austere wine ends with dark fruit and coca powder sensations. Drink up.

3,997 Views   Tasted
1964
90
Smoke, truffle, earth, tobacco, tar, cedar and cassis notes make up the mature aromatics. Four square in texture, the wine finishes with short, earthy, spice and cherry tones.

Smoke, truffle, earth, tobacco, tar, cedar and cassis notes make up the mature aromatics. Four square in texture, the wine finishes with short, earthy, spice and cherry tones.

2,184 Views   Tasted
1961
92
Smoke, burning campfire embers, tobacco, earth and cherry notes create the nose. The wine is fully mature, with that beautiful patina of aged silky cassis in the medium bodied finish.

Smoke, burning campfire embers, tobacco, earth and cherry notes create the nose. The wine is fully mature, with that beautiful patina of aged silky cassis in the medium bodied finish.

3,817 Views   Tasted
1961 Pape Clement offers smoke, cigar box, truffle, spicy black cherry, forest floor and tar scents. This medium/full bodied, fully mature, Pessac Leognan wine finishes with a smoky, tobacco and dark cherry sensation.

1961 Pape Clement offers smoke, cigar box, truffle, spicy black cherry, forest floor and tar scents. This medium/full bodied, fully mature, Pessac Leognan wine finishes with a smoky, tobacco and dark cherry sensation.

3,227 Views   Tasted
1959
88
Pipe tobacco, smoke, ash, cigar box, cedar, cassis, cherry, earth, truffle and spice aromas led to an elegant, medium bodied, spicy, red berry filled wine that should not be held for further ageing.

Pipe tobacco, smoke, ash, cigar box, cedar, cassis, cherry, earth, truffle and spice aromas led to an elegant, medium bodied, spicy, red berry filled wine that should not be held for further ageing.

5,377 Views   Tasted
1958
82
From a very difficult vintage, remnants of bright, red fruit found a way to peek through the smoke, wet forest, herb, cedar and tobacco wall. If you need a birthyear wine from this challenging vintage, all things considered, this is not a bad way to go.

From a very difficult vintage, remnants of bright, red fruit found a way to peek through the smoke, wet forest, herb, cedar and tobacco wall. If you need a birthyear wine from this challenging vintage, all things considered, this is not a bad way to go.

2,466 Views   Tasted
1955
87
Rosehip tea in color with the fragrance of a cigar store with its array of tobaccos and cedar humidors with a whiff of strawberry and smoke. Light in weight, with elegant, soft, refined textures and a smoky, bright red fruits, soft, silky finish. Perhaps it was a decade past its best days, but it was still quite a treat.

Rosehip tea in color with the fragrance of a cigar store with its array of tobaccos and cedar humidors with a whiff of strawberry and smoke. Light in weight, with elegant, soft, refined textures and a smoky, bright red fruits, soft, silky finish. Perhaps it was a decade past its best days, but it was still quite a treat.

2,823 Views   Tasted