Clos des Papes 2023 magnum

The Estate

Clos des Papes — The Benchmark of Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Founded in 1896 by the Avril family, Clos des Papes has established itself as one of the most revered estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, producing wines of extraordinary consistency and longevity. Under the stewardship of Paul Avril and now his son Paul-Vincent, the domaine has maintained an unwavering commitment to traditional viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking across its 35 hectares of meticulously tended old vines scattered throughout the appellation’s finest terroirs.

The estate’s reputation rests on its ability to craft Châteauneuf-du-Pape of remarkable elegance and structure, wines that balance power with finesse and age gracefully for decades. Clos des Papes consistently earns acclaim from the world’s most discerning critics, and remains a benchmark producer whose wines represent the pinnacle of what this legendary Southern Rhône appellation can achieve.

This Lot

Available as Magnum (1.5L) — ideal for collectors and long-term cellaring.

Terroir & Grapes

A Mosaic of Châteauneuf’s Finest Parcels

The Clos des Papes vineyard holdings span thirteen distinct parcels across Châteauneuf-du-Pape, encompassing the appellation’s diverse terroirs from the famous galets roulés (rounded river stones) of La Crau to the sandy and limestone soils of Mont-Redon and Cabrières. This diversity allows the Avril family to craft a blend that captures the full complexity of the appellation, with each parcel contributing its unique character to the final wine. The vines average 50 to 60 years of age, with some plots planted over a century ago, their deep root systems extracting remarkable concentration and mineral expression from the ancient soils.

Vinification & Ageing

Traditional Methods, Timeless Quality

The winemaking at Clos des Papes adheres to time-honoured Châteauneuf tradition, beginning with hand-harvesting at optimal ripeness and rigorous sorting. Fermentation occurs in concrete tanks with indigenous yeasts, with each parcel vinified separately to preserve its distinctive character. The estate employs gentle extractions and moderate temperatures to achieve depth without harshness, allowing the purity of fruit and terroir to shine through.

Following fermentation, the wine is aged for approximately 12 to 18 months in large, neutral oak foudres that impart no oaky flavour but allow gentle micro-oxygenation to soften tannins and enhance complexity. The final blend is assembled with meticulous precision, drawing on generations of family knowledge to create a wine of harmony and balance. Bottling occurs without fining or filtration, preserving the wine’s natural texture and ageability.

Vintage Character

2023 — A Fresh, Elegant Expression

The 2023 vintage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape proved to be one of cooler temperatures and moderate yields following a challenging growing season that demanded careful vineyard management. Early reports suggest the vintage has produced wines of impressive freshness and aromatic purity, with vibrant acidity balancing concentrated fruit—a style that plays beautifully to Clos des Papes’ elegant, terroir-driven approach. The wines show excellent tension and definition, qualities that augur well for long-term cellaring potential and graceful evolution in bottle.

Tasting Notes

Elegance Meets Intensity

This Clos des Papes 2023 displays the estate’s hallmark combination of power and refinement, opening with an alluring bouquet of ripe red cherry, blackberry, and wild herbs, layered with subtle notes of garrigue, lavender, and black pepper. On the palate, the wine reveals impressive depth and structure, with silky tannins supporting concentrated dark fruit flavours, complemented by hints of liquorice, dried flowers, and mineral complexity. The finish is long and precise, showcasing remarkable balance and energy that speaks to the vintage’s freshness. Presented in magnum format, this wine benefits from the slower, more harmonious ageing that larger bottles provide, promising decades of cellaring potential.

Service & Pairing

At the Table

This elegant Châteauneuf-du-Pape pairs beautifully with richly flavoured yet refined dishes: slow-braised lamb shoulder with herbs de Provence, wild boar daube, duck confit with fig compote, or aged Comté and Reblochon cheeses. The wine’s structure and complexity also complement truffle-laced dishes and game preparations, while its freshness prevents it from overwhelming more delicate preparations such as roasted guinea fowl or mushroom risotto. The magnum format makes this an exceptional centrepiece for important gatherings and special celebrations.

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