Clos des Papes 2007 magnum Chateauneuf du Pape

Critics’ Scores

Outstanding Recognition

The 2018 Clos des Papes earned an aggregate critics’ score of 95/100, reflecting exceptional quality from this benchmark estate. Indeed, this impressive rating confirms that Paul Vincent Avril successfully navigated one of the vintage’s most challenging growing seasons, producing a wine of outstanding finesse and depth. The score places the 2018 among the estate’s finest recent releases, moreover affirming its status as one of the vintage’s standout Châteauneuf-du-Papes.

The Estate

Clos des Papes 2018 — Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s Benchmark Estate

Clos des Papes stands among the most revered domaines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, currently guided by Paul Vincent Avril, who represents the fourth generation of his family to steward these ancient vineyards. Indeed, the Avril family has cultivated these parcels since 1896, moreover building a reputation for wines of extraordinary finesse and precision in an appellation often known for power. The estate’s name refers to the stone-walled vineyard parcel originally enclosed by papal decree during Avignon’s 14th-century prominence as the seat of the Catholic Church.

Furthermore, the domaine has earned organic certification, reflecting the family’s commitment to sustainable viticulture across their 32 hectares. The Avrils are meticulous growers who prioritize balance and terroir expression over sheer concentration, thus crafting wines that age gracefully for decades. Their classical approach and exceptional vineyard holdings have secured Clos des Papes’ position as one of the Southern Rhône’s most sought-after producers.

This Lot

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

Terroir & Grapes

Thirteen Scattered Parcels on Privileged Sites

The estate’s vineyards comprise thirteen distinct parcels scattered across Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s finest terroirs, predominantly planted on the appellation’s signature galets roulés—large, heat-retaining quartzite stones deposited by ancient glacial rivers. Additionally, the domaine farms prime sites in several key lieux-dits including La Crau, known for its deep layers of rounded stones over clay-limestone subsoils. While the traditional blend emphasizes Grenache, the Avrils maintain significant holdings of old-vine Mourvèdre, Syrah, and other permitted varieties, allowing them to craft a wine of remarkable complexity and structure.

Vinification & Ageing

Traditional Methods with Minimal Intervention

The Avrils ferment each parcel separately in traditional concrete tanks, thus preserving the distinct character of their diverse vineyard holdings before assemblage. Moreover, they practice whole-cluster fermentation for certain varieties, adding aromatic complexity and structural refinement. The estate avoids modern extraction techniques, instead relying on gentle pigeage and extended maceration to achieve depth without harshness. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes élevage in large, neutral oak foudres for approximately eighteen months, a practice that allows the fruit and terroir to shine without overt oak influence.