In Bond Fine Wine. 2020 Château Pape Clement, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France. Grand Cru Classé • Red Bordeaux in 12x75cl. Top critic score: 99/100 (JD). Drinking window: 2027–2060. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Chateau Pape Clement is one of Bordeaux’s oldest estates, with origins tracing back to the 13th century when it was gifted to Pope Clement V—hence its name. Today, under the ownership of the indefatigable Bernard Magrez, it has become a modern benchmark of Pessac Leognan, known for producing rich & aromatic wines of opulence and precision, though since 2014 there has been a move away from new oak & bold density in favour of more gentle extraction, freshness, complexity and elegance. With its combination of deep history, critical acclaim and consistently reasonable pricing, Pape Clement holds a special place among Bordeaux’s most compelling estates.
Jeb Dunnuck (JD) — 97–99/100 · JebDunnuck.com, 25/05/2021
Ranking with the top wines of the vintage, the dense purple-hued 2020 Chateau Pape Clement offers a sensational bouquet of pure creme de cassis interwoven with notes of liquid violets and classy oak. Possessing flawless balance, full-bodied richness, and ultra-fine tannins, it excels in this vintage and has a pretty, elegant, yet also layered and concentrated profile. It will drink well with just…
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (LPB) — 96–98/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 23/05/2021 · Drink 2028 - 2060
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2020 Pape Clement comes barreling out of the glass with bold notes of cassis, plum preserves and licorice, giving way to scents of cedar chest, crushed rocks, charcoal and pencil lead. The medium to full-bodied palate is tightly coiled with beautiful tension and a firm, finely grained texture locking in the layers of black fruits and minerals, finishing with great…
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 98/100 · Vinous, 23/02/2023 · Drink 2030-2050
The 2020 Pape Clément is outrageously beautiful. Dark, virile and imposing, the 2020 is a rare vintage of Pape Clément that is vertical and statuesque in feel. Dark fruit, chocolate, new leather, licorice and cloves infuse the palate with tremendous depth. In a word: magnificent.