CLOS DES PAPES (Paul Avril) Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2022 Bottle (los)

Description

The 2022 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge is an exceptional wine, receiving 97 points from The Wine Advocate and 96 points from both James Suckling and Vinous. Despite a hailstorm that impacted one-third of the crop, Paul-Vincent Avril has crafted an impressive wine with remarkable depth and character. The nose offers a delicate bouquet of peony, gooseberry, lilac, and cherries, complemented by hints of fennel and menthol. Medium to full-bodied, it features layered, velvety tannins and bright acidity that lead to a long, ethereal finish. Vinous notes its full-bodied intensity with flavours of licorice and blueberry. This wine is poised for exceptional aging potential, best enjoyed from 2025 to 2045.

*****

THE WINE ADVOCATE 97 points
Reviewed by: Yohan Castaing
Drink Date: 2025 - 2045
Despite a hailstorm that destroyed approximately one-third of the crop this year, Paul-Vincent Avril managed to produce a wine with the same grape proportions as in previous years, thanks to his vineyard's diverse and fragmented nature. So, the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape from Clos des Papes reveals a delicate, aromatic bouquet of peony, gooseberry, lilac, flowers and cherries mingled with delicate notes of fennel and menthol. Medium to full-bodied, sappy and layered, it's perfectly textured with velvety, delicate tannins enhanced by bright acids and a long, ethereal finish. Although the Mourvèdre is slightly dominant at this stage, this wine is unquestionably poised for great aging potential.

JAMES SUCKLING 96 points
A silky, textural and harmonious red with notes of dark cherries, fresh blackberries, dried thyme, currants and some mild spices. It's medium-bodied with finely grained tannins. Elegant and graceful, silky and bright. Fresh center palate with plenty of vitality and a caressing texture. Precise and harmonious with a pure expression of fruit at the center and a vibrant, spicy finish. Drink or hold.

VINOUS 96+ points
Drinking Window 2032 - 2050
From: Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2022: Bring It On (Jun 2024)
The alluring 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape won me over in a heartbeat. Vivid licorice, sage, blueberry, lavender, red and black cherry as well as crushed flowers hail from the glass. Full-bodied and intense, the 2022 packs ample flavor concentration yet always maintains balance through lifting freshness. Polished tannins neatly structure this ambitious 2022 that has the potential to age gracefully for at least two decades. - By Nicolas Greinacher on June 2024

DECANTER 96 points
Tasted by: Matt Walls
(at Rhône Valley, 18 Sep 2023)
Part of Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2022: Report and top-scoring wines
Drinking Window: 2030 - 2042
A touch less Mourvèdre this year, but not enough to change the profile of the wine, which is fairly classic albeit pretty bombastic in 2022. Raspberry and black cherry, ripe and exuberant. Full but not massive, the alcohol is present, slightly warming the finish. Tannins are a little grainy, so I would give this time to settle before broaching. Succulent and juicy, with a touch of liquorice. Vincent Avril believes the wine could close down quite early on. So drink young, or (even better) wait until 2030. All destemmed, aged in old foudres.


2022 Vintage Report – by Vincent Avril, owner/winemaker of Clos des Papes
“It is a small harvest but the wines are of very high quality. Despite all the whims of nature, we have a very lovely vintage in the cellar.”

"2022 Clos des Papes Rouge is a triumph for Vincent Avril, not least given that this was a year in which 12 hectares of his vines were completely decimated by an unprecedented hailstorm-tornado on La Crau. The blend is slightly higher on the Grenache than usual because of this, being 60% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 5% Counoise with other varieties. The nose is so fine with ripe but focused blue and black berry fruit and a gentle hint of spice. The aromas give the impression of a moderately cooler vintage, held in check; there is no hint of over-ripeness or jamminess here that you might otherwise expect from a drought vintage. The palate is just sensational with more lovely, supple blueberry and blackberry fruit and a beautiful lilac-violet lift. As always with Clos des Papes, it is the effortless sophistication amidst the detail of the wine that continues to astound when tasting. It is just so supple on the palate without being rich at all. An intense stoney freshness follows whilst fine chalky tannins linger on the finish and then resolve harmoniously on the tongue. This is, simply put, measured, pure, brilliance. Drink 2030 to 2050." Catriona Felstead MW, Senior Buyer, November 2023

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Paul Vincent Avril at Domaine du Clos des Papes is a prominent figure in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, renowned for crafting some of the region's most sought-after wines. With a legacy going back three generations, the Avril family has established a strong reputation for excellence that resonates with wine critics and enthusiasts alike. Vincent, having studied oenology in Burgundy and honed his skills at the prestigious Château Mouton-Rothschild in Bordeaux, returned to his roots in the Rhône to take the reins of the family estate.

Domaine du Clos des Papes derives its name from one of its vineyard plots situated near the ruins of a 14th-century papal castle, a fitting homage to the region’s rich history. The estate encompasses 24 distinct parcels throughout the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, with approximately 32 hectares of vineyards cultivated predominantly with Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. This meticulous parceling allows for intricate blending that captures the nuances of the terroir.

Vincent Avril is celebrated for his innovative winemaking methods rooted in tradition. He adheres to the principles of low yields in the vineyards, which enhances the concentration of flavors in the grapes. Entirely destemming the fruit prior to fermentation ensures that the wines maintain purity and freshness. Vincent’s philosophy of co-fermenting different grape varieties enables a harmonious integration of flavors, which is further complemented by aging exclusively in old oak foudres—large, traditional vessels that impart minimal oak flavors while allowing the wine to mature gracefully.

The resulting wines from Domaine du Clos des Papes are known for their incredible complexity, elegance, and balance. The flagship red and white wines are crafted with meticulous attention, showcasing the best expressions of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape terroir. Both wines are met with high demand, often surpassing supply, making them highly coveted by collectors and connoisseurs. As a testament to his dedication and passion for winemaking, Vincent Avril continues to elevate the legacy of Domaine du Clos des Papes, embodying the essence of Châteauneuf-du-Pape while reaffirming its status as one of the most prestigious wine-producing regions in the world.