"Undoubtedly one of the best Chรขteauneufs of the vintage, Clos des Papes's 2008 Chรขteauneuf du Pape was in surprisingly fine form. Full-bodied but wonderfully silky with age, it shows developing aromas and flavors of tree bark, cola, dried spices, red cherries and white button mushrooms. While I wouldn't expect it to last forever, it should provide delicious drinking over the next 5 years or so. It was made from tiny yields of 16 hectoliters per hectare and reached 14.7% alcohol in what was a challenging vintage in the Southern Rhรดne."
Decanter
D94
"Some dried leaf character on the nose now, and the acidity is quite marked. Tannins are a little dry, and the overriding character is savoury, bright and complex. Salty on the finish, with more leaf litter notes. No great breadth or power, and not the most elegant vintage of Clos des Papes, but this still has freshness and clarity. Very successful for the vintage."
Wine Spectator
WS95
"Dark, inviting and very alluring, with captivating black tea, charred mesquite and kirsch aromas and flavors allied to a remarkably silky mouthfeel. Superlong, with mineral, violet, pepper and additional crushed cherry and plum fruit notes all gliding through the finish."
Details
Grape Variety
Grenache
,
Other Regional Grapes
,
Red Blend
,
Syrah