PAUL AVRIL Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 'Clos des Papes' 2022 Bottle (los)

Description

Paul Vincent Avril at Domaine du Clos des Papes makes one of the most sought-after wines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This Southern Rhône estate has been in the Avril family for three generations, gaining in reputation from wine critics and drinkers alike. Vincent studied his craft in Burgundy and trained at Château Mouton-Rothschild in Bordeaux before returning to the Rhône and his family domaine. Domaine du Clos de Papes takes its name from one of its vineyard plots which lies near the ruins of an ancient, 14th century papal castle. In total, there are 24 parcels throughout the appellation, with around 32 hectares planted to Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Vincent is known for both his particular winemaking methods and his absolute passion for his wines. His style is to work with low yields in the vineyards, completely destem the fruit, co-ferment varieties, and age exclusively in old oak foudres and the result are wines of incredible complexity. He makes just one red and one white wine, which he considers the best expression of his appellation. Both are met with huge demand and not enough to go around.

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