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Pape Clement 2012

Pessac-Leognan, Grand Cru Classé

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Tasting Notes

The iconic 2012 Pape Clement is a candidate for near-perfection as well as one of the wines of the vintage. From proprietor Bernard Magrez, this is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. This extraordinary vineyard (a few miles to the west of Haut Brion and La Mission Haut Brion) has hit all the highlights of this vintage. Interestingly, the quality of the Pomerols and Graves wines in 2012 is closer to what one would consider a great vintage than the general image of 2012. This is truly great wine and not far off their magnificent 2005 and 2010. Full-bodied, with rich cassis, subtle burning embers and spice followed by velvety, well-integrated tannins, the wine is lush, expansive, savory and profound. This is a remarkable wine that could be drunk at a reasonably young age, but should cellar brilliantly for a quarter-century. Yields were modest at 37 hectoliters per hectare from this 132-acre estate. The alcohol level came in at 13.5%.

Score: 97

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2015-2040 01 April 2015

The 2012 Pape Clement is one of the stars of the vintage, which is not surprising given this estate's performances over the last 10-15 years. A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, it exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color along with a beautifully sweet, graphite-scented nose with hints of black currants, Asian plum sauce, soy and forest floor. Impressively built with medium to full-bodied flavors, it has more layers than many wines from this vintage, an appealing density and a velvety texture.

Score: 92 - 95

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 26 April 2013

Very intense dark purplish crimson. Super-clean refreshing-but-ripe black fruit aromas. Sweet palate entry and then rather refreshing and muscular. For the moment it's all ripe sweetness but it has the constitution for giving immense pleasure. All the constituents are in the right balance and the finish is most refreshing.

Score: 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2019-2032 19 April 2013