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Pape Clement 2005

Pessac-Leognan, Grand Cru Classé

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Tasting Notes

Probably the greatest Pape-Clement ever made, the dense purple-colored 2005 (a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon) exhibits sumptuous notes of smoky scorched earth, graphite, melted licorice, and blackberries. Once past the exquisite perfume, the wine reveals full body, extraordinary concentration, plenty of chocolate, smoke, cassis, and blackberry flavors, and that unmistakable volcanic ash-like earthiness that comes from this appellation. The tannins are slightly sweeter than those found in most northern Medocs, but this is still a backward, large-scaled effort that requires 7-8 years of cellaring. It should last for 30-35 years.

Score: 98

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2015-2043 30 April 2008

The possible perfection of this effort is not surprising given the way proprietor Bernard Magrez has been upgrading all of his estates, especially his flagship property, Pape-Clement. Over the last decade there has been a succession of brilliant wines from this terroir that is essentially sandwiched in a suburb of Bordeaux. The quintessential Pape-Clement, the 2005 is a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon cropped at 38 hectoliters per hectare. Its dense plum/purple color is followed by a seductive perfume of crushed rocks, blueberries, raspberries, cedar, graphite, licorice, and smoke. Full-bodied and layered, it possesses blockbuster richness yet an ethereal delicacy and finesse that often seem incompatible, but the fresh acids, high tannins, and marvelous extract of the 2005 Bordeaux have all come together to produce something special, but that will require patience. This wine has some of the more supple, sweeter tannins of Bordeaux, but then again, it is a Pessac-Leognan, not a Medoc, and the percentage of Merlot is high for the vintage. I would anticipate this 2005 to be approachable around 2012, and last for 30+ years.

Score: 96 - 100

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2037 30 April 2007

The greatest Pape-Clement ever produced? There is no question that proprietor Bernard Magrez, backed up by the eminent consulting winemaker, Michel Rolland, has produced a succession of brilliant wines over the last decade or more. The 2005, a potential legend, boasts a dense purple color along with a glorious, smoky bouquet displaying notions of graphite, plums, cassis, licorice, and subtle oak. Full-bodied with magnificent intensity, beautiful fresh acidity, tremendous definition, and a powerful, moderately tannic, super-concentrated finish, this beauty should come into its own by 2010, and last for three decades or more. It is a prodigious effort!

Score: 96 - 100

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 April 2006

Particularly deep crimson. Rather more concentrated and oaky than most. A good rendition of the vintage in a more modern idiom than most Pessac-Léognans. Lots of extract and very obvious tannins. This should be a crowd-pleaser for quite a time. More ambitious than most, and therefore less relaxed.

Score: 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2016-2026 10 April 2006

Wow. Gorgeous aromas of meat, chocolate, berry and currant. Full-bodied but very soft, with round tannins and a long finish. Sophisticated.

Score: 92 - 94

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 April 2006

Very opaque inky ruby colour. A complex nose of dark cherry fruit, tar, minerals and blood. On the palate it is open, expansive and very expressive with broad sweet fruits and ripe creamy tannins. Long, complete and structured, this is a very voluptuous and hedonistic Pape Clement.

Score: -

Albany Vintners, - 01 January 1900