The power and complexity of a Pessac-Leognan red wine
The estate
Situated on the doorstep of Bordeaux, Chateau Pape Clement is one of the oldest wine estates in the region, as the first grape harvest took place in 1252. The name of the Chateau Pape Clement estate refers to Pope Clement V who managed his vineyard with great passion before donating it to the archbishop of Bordeaux. At the time, they were referred to as "the vines of Pape Clément". In 1983, Bernard Magrez, the tireless builder and creator of rare wines, bought the estate. Bernard Magrez, who today owns 4 Grands Crus Classes in Bordeaux, injects all his energy and determination in order to elevate Chateau Pape Clement to the very pinnacle of Bordeaux Grands Crus. In 2009, Chateau Pape Clement was bestowed a 100/100 score by the American critic, Robert Parker.
The vineyard
Chateau Pape Clement’s vineyard spreads across 61 hectares of vines in an exceptional terroir. Planted on Pyrenean clay gravel soils, this vineyard produces fine Pessac-Leognan wines.
The blend
Cabernet Sauvignon (56%)
Merlot (40%)
Cabernet Franc (4%)
Chateau Pape Clement 2015: Characteristics and tasting tips
The tasting
Color
This wine is a beautiful inky color.
Nose
Aromatic, the nose mixes fruity (burlat cherry, crushed blackberry), peppery and woody (cedar) fragrances.
Palate
This wine seduces the palate with its fine tannins, its structure and its precision. The palate reveals all its concentration as well as a hint of liquorice that gives this wine a certain freshness.
The 2015 Pape Clement is blended of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, matured in 80% new and 20% one-year-old French oak barrels for 18 months. Medium to deep garnet-purple, it opens with profound notes of crushed red and black currants, black cherries and cassis with touches of mocha, baking spices, menthol and lavender plus a hint of new leather. Medium-bodied, firm and concentrated with tons of tightly wound black fruit and earth layers, it has a grainy frame and refreshing lift on the long finish.