Score
95
Château Pape Clément Pessac-Léognan 2021
Saturday, Dec 16, 2023
Color
Red
Country
France
Region
Bordeaux
Vintage
2021
This is really polished and beautiful with very fine tannins that caress your palate. Medium body. Refined. Currant, chocolate, hazelnut and black walnut. Some mushroom. Very complex and subtle. Drinkable now but better in a couple of years.
2021 Château Pape Clement Rouge Grand Cru Classé de Graves

Type of Wine | |
---|---|
Country | France |
Region | |
Appellation | Pessac-Léognan |
Winery | |
Vintage | 2021 |
Grape | , , , |
Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (13%) |
Drink window | 2027 - 2057 |
In stock
6 items available
Description
The Château Pape Clément Rouge 2021 is a Grand Cru Classé from the Graves and the flagship of Bernard Magrez. The wine consists of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are harvested entirely by hand and strictly selected, after which the wine matured for 18 months in oak barrels (90% new, 10% in large foudres).
In the glass it shows a deep ruby red color with purple hues. The nose is intense and refined, with aromas of ripe black fruit, cherry, blackberry, espresso, toasted wood and an earthy undertone. In the mouth the wine is medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins, fresh acidity and a long, elegant finish with mineral nuances.
The 2021 is a refined and characterful wine with concentration, balance and freshness. It confirms once again the position of Pape Clément close to the level of the premiers crus, with excellent international ratings.
FACT: In the 'Attachments' tab you will find the official fact sheet of this beautiful wine. We will automatically send it to you when you order this wine. The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.
You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous and Wine Spectator via the links next to the image. A free service for our customers.
Need advice on finding the perfect wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers.
1. Grilled ribeye with rosemary and garlic butter
The structure of the meat supports the tannins, while the garlic and herbs complement the spicy notes of the wine.
2. Stuffed portobello with mushrooms, onion and goat cheese
A vegetarian dish that plays with the earthy aromas of the wine. The creamy cheese provides balance and filling.
3. Rack of lamb with thyme, honey and roasted root vegetables
Lamb has a pronounced, juicy character that goes well with the finesse of this wine. The light sweetness of honey and roasted vegetables brings out the fruity aspect of the wine.
4. Grilled tuna steak with aubergine puree and black olives
A hearty fish dish with deep, savoury flavours. The wine holds up through its structure and retains elegance alongside the salty and roasted notes.
5. Quail glazed with port and balsamic vinegar, served on lentils
The sweet-fresh lacquer and the earthiness of the lentils complement both the fruitiness and mineral notes of the wine. A combination of richness and subtlety.
6. Venison fillet with a cream of parsnip and black garlic
A game dish with soft depth. The parsnip adds sweetness, while black garlic adds complexity that enhances the wood-aged note of the wine.
Specifications
Packing information | Box |
---|---|
Type of Wine | Red |
Country | France |
Region | Bordeaux |
Appellation | Pessac-Léognan |
Winery | Chateau Pape Clement |
Grape | Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot |
Biological certified | No |
Natural wine | No |
Vegan | No |
Vintage | 2021 |
Drinking as of | 2027 |
Drinking till | 2057 |
Alcohol % | 13 |
Alcohol free/low | No |
Content | 0.75 ltr |
Oak aging | Yes |
Sparkling | No |
Dessert wine | No |
Closure | Cork |
Parker rating | 94 |
James Suckling rating | 95 |
Vinous rating | 94 |
Tasting Profiles | Aards, Complex, Donker fruit, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Mineraal, Tannines |
Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Open haard |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The 2021 Pape Clément exhibits notions of sweet berries and cherries mingled with rich aromas of espresso roast, black truffles, toasty new oak and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, deep and quite extracted in style, it's a rich, fleshy wine that gained in integration and harmony over the the three weeks I spent in Bordeaux. Tasted three times.
This 32.5-hectare estate is surrounded by the city of Bordeaux, not far from Haut-Brion. In the vineyards, farming is thoughtful, with Esca-infected vines counted and registered by tractor, and both horses and an electric tractor are employed to avoid compacting the soils—and to respect the neighboring dwellings. While the château isn't organic, the use of chemical products is kept to a minimum, and activity in the estate's beehives is monitored immediately after a treatment to verify that there hasn't been any adverse impact. Planted in red with roughly equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and in white with roughly equal parts Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, Pape Clément produces some of Pessac-Léognan's richest, most dramatic wines, though recent years have seen a discreet turn toward a somewhat more restrained style, a shift especially obvious in the château's white wine: Merlot is picked a touch earlier than in the past; foudres and large-format oak barrels now supplement 225-liter barriques; and the percentage of new oak is more modest. While there's still room for evolution, these 2021s represent fine efforts in a challenging vintage.
Published: Apr 29, 2022
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
94
Drinking Window
2031 - 2051
From: 2021 Bordeaux: L’Enfant Terrible (Feb 2024)
The 2021 Pape Clément is a very elegant, polished wine. Crushed flowers, red cherry fruit, blood orange, menthol and spice all grace this wonderfully layered, expressive vintage of Pape Clément. Pretty floral top notes add freshness and vivacity. The more laid-back house style these days is so appealing.
- By Antonio Galloni on December 2023
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
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Wijnhuis
The history of Château Pape Clément is one of the longest and most fascinating of all French wine estates. Pape Clément is one of the best Grands Crus of Bordeaux and is located in Pessac, in the Graves. It is named after its famous owner Pope Clemens V. Bertrand de Goth, from 1305 the first pope to sit in Avignon under the name of Clemens V, became Archbishop of Bordeaux in 1299 and on this occasion received the existing wine estate, which he then greatly expanded . Clemens' papal name is the reason the château inherited that same name and the wine became an icon.
After his departure to Avignon, the winery remained the property of the Archdiocese of Bordeaux. Since this period, the estate has remained well managed for five centuries. The limited production was mainly reserved for use by the Archdiocese itself. During the French Revolution, the château became public domain but was also successfully expanded. The wines were sold through clear management of the owners at the same prices as the 2ième Grand Crus Classés from the Medoc.
In the 1980s, Bernard Magrez, visionary and passionate wine lover, took over the chateau and made its reputation even greater. Bernard Magrez has used all possible means to ensure that the exceptional terroir of Pape Clément, which has made the wines so famous and gives them their extraordinary finesse, continues to express itself as strongly as possible.
The Château Pape Clément Rouge 2021 is a Grand Cru Classé from the Graves and the flagship of Bernard Magrez. The wine consists of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are harvested entirely by hand and strictly selected, after which the wine matured for 18 months in oak barrels (90% new, 10% in large foudres).
In the glass it shows a deep ruby red color with purple hues. The nose is intense and refined, with aromas of ripe black fruit, cherry, blackberry, espresso, toasted wood and an earthy undertone. In the mouth the wine is medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins, fresh acidity and a long, elegant finish with mineral nuances.
The 2021 is a refined and characterful wine with concentration, balance and freshness. It confirms once again the position of Pape Clément close to the level of the premiers crus, with excellent international ratings.
FACT: In the 'Attachments' tab you will find the official fact sheet of this beautiful wine. We will automatically send it to you when you order this wine. The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.
You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous and Wine Spectator via the links next to the image. A free service for our customers.
Need advice on finding the perfect wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers.
1. Grilled ribeye with rosemary and garlic butter
The structure of the meat supports the tannins, while the garlic and herbs complement the spicy notes of the wine.
2. Stuffed portobello with mushrooms, onion and goat cheese
A vegetarian dish that plays with the earthy aromas of the wine. The creamy cheese provides balance and filling.
3. Rack of lamb with thyme, honey and roasted root vegetables
Lamb has a pronounced, juicy character that goes well with the finesse of this wine. The light sweetness of honey and roasted vegetables brings out the fruity aspect of the wine.
4. Grilled tuna steak with aubergine puree and black olives
A hearty fish dish with deep, savoury flavours. The wine holds up through its structure and retains elegance alongside the salty and roasted notes.
5. Quail glazed with port and balsamic vinegar, served on lentils
The sweet-fresh lacquer and the earthiness of the lentils complement both the fruitiness and mineral notes of the wine. A combination of richness and subtlety.
6. Venison fillet with a cream of parsnip and black garlic
A game dish with soft depth. The parsnip adds sweetness, while black garlic adds complexity that enhances the wood-aged note of the wine.
Packing information | Box |
---|---|
Type of Wine | Red |
Country | France |
Region | Bordeaux |
Appellation | Pessac-Léognan |
Winery | Chateau Pape Clement |
Grape | Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot |
Biological certified | No |
Natural wine | No |
Vegan | No |
Vintage | 2021 |
Drinking as of | 2027 |
Drinking till | 2057 |
Alcohol % | 13 |
Alcohol free/low | No |
Content | 0.75 ltr |
Oak aging | Yes |
Sparkling | No |
Dessert wine | No |
Closure | Cork |
Parker rating | 94 |
James Suckling rating | 95 |
Vinous rating | 94 |
Tasting Profiles | Aards, Complex, Donker fruit, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Mineraal, Tannines |
Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Open haard |
Parker
The 2021 Pape Clément exhibits notions of sweet berries and cherries mingled with rich aromas of espresso roast, black truffles, toasty new oak and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, deep and quite extracted in style, it's a rich, fleshy wine that gained in integration and harmony over the the three weeks I spent in Bordeaux. Tasted three times.
This 32.5-hectare estate is surrounded by the city of Bordeaux, not far from Haut-Brion. In the vineyards, farming is thoughtful, with Esca-infected vines counted and registered by tractor, and both horses and an electric tractor are employed to avoid compacting the soils—and to respect the neighboring dwellings. While the château isn't organic, the use of chemical products is kept to a minimum, and activity in the estate's beehives is monitored immediately after a treatment to verify that there hasn't been any adverse impact. Planted in red with roughly equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and in white with roughly equal parts Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, Pape Clément produces some of Pessac-Léognan's richest, most dramatic wines, though recent years have seen a discreet turn toward a somewhat more restrained style, a shift especially obvious in the château's white wine: Merlot is picked a touch earlier than in the past; foudres and large-format oak barrels now supplement 225-liter barriques; and the percentage of new oak is more modest. While there's still room for evolution, these 2021s represent fine efforts in a challenging vintage.
Published: Apr 29, 2022
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Score
95
Château Pape Clément Pessac-Léognan 2021
Saturday, Dec 16, 2023
Color
Red
Country
France
Region
Bordeaux
Vintage
2021
This is really polished and beautiful with very fine tannins that caress your palate. Medium body. Refined. Currant, chocolate, hazelnut and black walnut. Some mushroom. Very complex and subtle. Drinkable now but better in a couple of years.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
94
Drinking Window
2031 - 2051
From: 2021 Bordeaux: L’Enfant Terrible (Feb 2024)
The 2021 Pape Clément is a very elegant, polished wine. Crushed flowers, red cherry fruit, blood orange, menthol and spice all grace this wonderfully layered, expressive vintage of Pape Clément. Pretty floral top notes add freshness and vivacity. The more laid-back house style these days is so appealing.
- By Antonio Galloni on December 2023
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
The history of Château Pape Clément is one of the longest and most fascinating of all French wine estates. Pape Clément is one of the best Grands Crus of Bordeaux and is located in Pessac, in the Graves. It is named after its famous owner Pope Clemens V. Bertrand de Goth, from 1305 the first pope to sit in Avignon under the name of Clemens V, became Archbishop of Bordeaux in 1299 and on this occasion received the existing wine estate, which he then greatly expanded . Clemens' papal name is the reason the château inherited that same name and the wine became an icon.
After his departure to Avignon, the winery remained the property of the Archdiocese of Bordeaux. Since this period, the estate has remained well managed for five centuries. The limited production was mainly reserved for use by the Archdiocese itself. During the French Revolution, the château became public domain but was also successfully expanded. The wines were sold through clear management of the owners at the same prices as the 2ième Grand Crus Classés from the Medoc.
In the 1980s, Bernard Magrez, visionary and passionate wine lover, took over the chateau and made its reputation even greater. Bernard Magrez has used all possible means to ensure that the exceptional terroir of Pape Clément, which has made the wines so famous and gives them their extraordinary finesse, continues to express itself as strongly as possible.