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97 Robert Parker
The iconic 2012 Pape Clement is a candidate for near-perfection as well as one of the wines of the vintage. From proprietor Bernard Magrez, this is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. This extraordinary vineyard (a few miles to the west of Haut Brion and La Mission Haut Brion) has hit all the highlights of this vintage. Interestingly, the quality of the Pomerols and Graves wines in 2012 is closer to what one would consider a great vintage than the general image of 2012. This is truly great wine and not far off their magnificent 2005 and 2010. Full-bodied, with rich cassis, subtle burning embers and spice followed by velvety, well-integrated tannins, the wine is lush, expansive, savory and profound. This is a remarkable wine that could be drunk at a reasonably young age, but should cellar brilliantly for a quarter-century. Yields were modest at 37 hectoliters per hectare from this 132-acre estate. The alcohol level came in at 13.5%.
18 Rene Gabriel
Extrem dunkles Purpur mit lila und violetten Reflexen. Würziges Bouquet, Kardamom, Zimt, dunkle Edelhölzer, Kaffee und Brazil-Tabak, aber mit wenig Druck. Im Gaumen saftig und samtig zugleich, feine, runde Tannine, mittlere Adstringenz. Für einmal nicht ein Überdrüberwein, sondern einer, welcher sich den Jahrgangsmöglichkeiten fair angepasst hat. Da werden wohl die sonstigen Powererwartungen bei gewissen amerikanischen Degustatoren bei Weitem nicht erfüllt. Bei mir bekommt er gerade deshalb recht viel Lob. Er erinnert so etwas an die gute alte Pape-Zeit. Ob man dies wohl dann auch bei den Preisen zu spüren bekommt? Es ist zu hoffen! Mehrere Male verkostet. warten (2017 - 2038)
94 Wine Spectator
Densely packed, with lots of dark steeped currant, fig and blackberry fruit, slowly melding with muscular licorice snap, bramble, singed bay and ganache notes. The long, dark, ganache-coated finish isn't shy, but an enticing rusticity keeps this honest. A large-scaled wine that has really powered up since the barrel tasting. Best from 2018 through 2027. 12,500 cases made. –JM
Producer
Château Pape Clément
Château Pape Clément is one of the oldest Grand Cru Classé vineyards in Bordeaux. With a history dating back to the 13th century, the reputable château was established by Bertrand de Goth, the Archbishop of Bordeaux. Decades later, he became Pope in 1305 under the name Clement V, thus the château inherited his name. In 1939, the Montagne family acquired the estate, and it is now owned and run by wine enthusiast, Bernard Magrez. Hidden among the Pessac suburbs, the 32.5-hectare property is predominately dedicated to red wine production, with only 2.5-hectares planted to white varieties. Both wines represent some of the appellations best, the Pape Clément Rouge is a dense but approachable wine, while the small production of Pape Clément Blanc is an elegant, impressively complex, creamy new oak noted white. Today, the Château boasts the finest clarets in Pessac-Léognan, and continues to express with finesse the essence of their terroir.