Clos des Papes 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape

The Estate

Clos des Papes 2019 — A Legendary Châteauneuf Estate

The Avril family has cultivated vines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape since 1756, yet Clos des Papes as we know it today was established in the early 20th century. Moreover, under the guidance of Paul-Vincent Avril, the estate has achieved legendary status, consistently producing some of the appellation’s most sought-after wines. Indeed, Clos des Papes 2019 represents the pinnacle of this family’s dedication to terroir and tradition, earning recognition as one of the world’s finest wines.

The domaine’s reputation rests on meticulous vineyard management and a philosophy that prioritizes balance over power. While many Châteauneuf producers embraced modern extraction techniques, the Avril family maintained their traditional approach, vinifying each parcel separately and ageing wines in large, neutral oak foudres. Consequently, Clos des Papes wines express the essence of their terroir with remarkable purity and elegance, offering profound depth without sacrificing finesse.

Terroir & Grapes

Thirteen Parcels Across Châteauneuf’s Finest Sites

Clos des Papes cultivates thirty-two hectares spread across thirteen distinct parcels throughout the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, located in France’s Southern Rhône Valley. These sites encompass the region’s diverse soil types, from the famous galets roulés (large, heat-retaining stones) to sand, clay, and limestone. Furthermore, the estate’s commitment to exceptionally low yields — just 22 hectoliters per hectare in 2019 — ensures concentrated, expressive fruit that captures the full character of each terroir. Additionally, the vines benefit from the Mediterranean climate’s warm days and cool nights, allowing gradual ripening while preserving freshness and aromatic complexity.

Vinification & Ageing

Traditional Methods, Timeless Character

Paul-Vincent Avril vinifies each of the estate’s thirteen parcels separately, respecting the unique character of every terroir component. The winemaking team employs gentle extraction techniques, avoiding excessive pumping-over or punching-down that might extract harsh tannins. Instead, they allow the wines to macerate naturally, drawing out complexity while maintaining elegance. Moreover, the Avril family eschews new oak entirely, preferring large foudres of at least four years of age for the élevage.

The 2019 vintage matured for twelve months in these neutral vessels, which preserve the wine’s fruit purity while allowing gradual micro-oxygenation. Subsequently, the estate assembles the final blend only after this extended ageing period, ensuring each component has evolved harmoniously. This patient, non-interventionist approach yields wines that reward decades of cellaring, developing extraordinary tertiary complexity while retaining their core of fresh fruit.

Vintage Character

2019 — Châteauneuf’s Finest Since 2019

The 2019 growing season in Châteauneuf-du-Pape delivered ideal conditions, producing the appellation’s finest vintage since the legendary 2016. Perfect sanitary conditions throughout the summer allowed the fruit to ripen evenly, while warm days and cool nights preserved freshness alongside concentration. Furthermore, the harvest unfolded under optimal weather, enabling producers to pick each variety at precise phenolic maturity. The resulting wines display exceptional colour depth, smooth tannins, and generous fruit character, yet they maintain the structural integrity required for long-term ageing. Indeed, 2019 appeals to those who appreciate the richer, fleshier style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape without sacrificing elegance or balance. Critics universally praised the vintage for its purity, length, and remarkable ageing potential, recognizing it as a milestone year for the Southern Rhône.

Tasting Notes

Profound Depth Meets Classical Refinement

The nose opens with intense aromas of crushed blackberry, dark cherry, and wild herbs, layered with hints of garrigue, black olive, and sweet spice. Moreover, subtle notes of lavender and graphite add complexity, while the wine’s remarkable purity allows each aromatic element to shine clearly. On the palate, the 2019 reveals profound depth and concentration, yet it maintains perfect balance through vibrant acidity and finely-grained tannins. The texture is simultaneously rich and refined, coating the mouth with velvety fruit while the wine’s mineral backbone provides structure and tension. Additionally, the finish extends for minutes, echoing with spicy fruit, dried herbs, and stony minerality. Despite the vintage’s generosity, this wine embodies classical Châteauneuf-du-Pape style, offering immediate pleasure while promising decades of evolution.

“Perfectly balanced, long and deep, resulting in a rich but surprisingly classic vintage of Clos des Papes considering the extreme conditions this year.”

Service & Pairing

Patience Rewarded, Perfectly Matched

While approachable in its youth, this wine truly blossoms with extended aeration or, ideally, several years of bottle age. Decant generously to reveal the full spectrum of aromatics and soften the youthful tannins. Moreover, the wine’s complexity and structure make it an ideal partner for rich, savoury dishes. Consider pairing with daube provençale, wild boar stew, or herb-crusted lamb shoulder, where the wine’s garrigue notes echo the Provençal herbs. Additionally, aged hard cheeses such as Comté or mature Manchego provide an excellent match, highlighting the wine’s mineral backbone and spicy finish. For those cellaring this bottle, patience will be rewarded with extraordinary tertiary development over the next two decades.

— Discover —

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