Clos Des Papes   Chateauneuf du Pape

2011 Chateauneuf du Pape

By Clos Des Papes

2011 Chateauneuf du Pape from Clos Des Papes, Rhone

The very essence of what makes the Rhone valley renowned worldwide pervades in the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape from Clos Des Papes. The distinct character of the 2011 vintage, captured by the masterful viticulture of Clos Des Papes, delivers an experience that truly sets it apart.

 

Captivating individuality in every sip

The complexity of the wine’s layered dimensions is driven not merely by its composition of Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache blended to perfection but also by the unique weather conditions; a fairly dry vintage coupled with an unusually warm fall that defined its origins in Rhone in late 2011.

The fragrance is lusciously filled with haunting aromas of dark cherry and spice unfolding to deeper notes of licorice and black raspberry. It speaks eloquently of its pedigree, hinting at the granite and sandstone soils it hails from - a harmonious marriage of terroir and grape.

 

Nature's serendipity shapes an investable asset

The uniqueness of this wine does not end with its origin; it’s drawn right through to the well-articulated finish with a serene undercurrent of minerality coursing through each sip. This elegant expression is a testament to the fine-tuning art employed by Clos Des Papes throughout wine production.

For discerning investors, there lies great potential in the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape for its ability to age well while broadening its flavour profile due to its solid structure and good acidity.

 

Auburn autumn, compelling wines

Although Rhone experienced drought conditions in 2011, it turned out to define the vintage, harnessing an unusually auburn autumn to mature the grapes beyond their typical flavour profiles resulting in a wine of incredible depth and finesse.

The 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape from Clos Des Papes stands as an impressive vinous monument to this fertile region's unique, climatic quirks and its own inherent potential as a compelling investment opportunity.

Current market price

$870.00

12x75cl

Highest score

96

POP score

33.13

Scores and tasting notes

96

One of the stars of the vintage and coming from absurdly low yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape is a full-bodied, seamless effort that exhibits copious kirsch, ground pepper, dried flowers and underbrush as well as incredibly fine tannin, great mid-palate concentration and ample length on the finish. Relatively forward by this estate’s standards, it will be approachable at an earlier age than normal. Nevertheless, it will have 20+ years of evolution and is an awesome effort in the vintage. Drink 2015-2030. One of the benchmark estates, Clos des Papes covers close to 90 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape and is run by the incredibly talented Paul-Vincent Avril. Favoring a single cuvee, his Chateauneuf du Pape is always a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre 10% Syrah and the rest a mix of Vaccarese, Counoise and Muscardin. No new oak is used in the winery and all new barrels and foudre see three vintages of his non-vintage Le Petit Vin d’Avril before being used for his grand vin. Starting out, the two non-vintage Le Petit Vin d’Avril are both beautifully made (the vines are farmed just like Paul-Vincent Chateauneuf du Pape terroirs and the yields are miniscule) and well worth checking out. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173

Jeb Dunnuck - The Wine Advocate, 30 October 2013

Vintage performance