2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Clos des Papes
About Producer
This domaine was founded in the late 19th century by the great-grandfather of Vincent Avril who is now in charge. Before coming back in 1987 to help his father Paul, Vincent had studied in Burgundy and worked in Provence, Bordeaux and Yarra Valley. The 32ha of vines are spread across 25 plots lying on a wide array of terroirs ranging from the rocky soils of La Crau to areas of sand, limestone and gravel soils. Eschewing a common practice of many winemakers to bottle a prestige cuvée, Vincent only produces one single label to focus his efforts on pursuing the finest expression of Châteauneuf-du-Pape that he can.
Varietals
Blend of 65% grenache, 20% mourvèdre, 10% syrah and the rest vaccarèse and counoise. From 50+ year-old vines.
About Appellation
Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tradition and history are inextricably entwined with the Avignon Papacy. Prior to the 14th century, vineyards were owned in the region by the bishops of Avignon, but mostly for local consumption produce. Things drastically changed following the decision of Pope Clement V, former Archbishop of Bordeaux, to move the papal court in 1309 to Avignon. Said to be great lovers of Burgundy wines, Clement V and his successor John XXII also did much to improve local viticultural practices to such an extent that wines from the area became known as 'Vin du Pape', under John XXII. The appellation currently covers around 3,150ha of vineyards spread over five distinct terroirs between the towns of Avignon and Orange. A total of thirteen grape varieties are allowed to be used in red and white wines, with grenache (black, grey and white) being the star player, and often syrah, mourvèdre and cinsault in supporting roles.
Tasting Notes
Captivating nose of red and black fruits, spices, leather, smoke, pepper, garrigue herbs, dried flowers and forest floor, dense mouthfeel with silky texture, firm structure and incredible concentration, multilayered flavours of raspberry, blackberry, strawberry compote, black olive, truffle, star anise and liquorice liberally laced with savoury balsamic notes, lively acidity and dusty tannins carrying through a long, harmonious finish. Bearing witness to the remarkable quality of its terroirs, this is an utterly beautiful wine that has just turned the corner towards drinkability. It’s rich and assertive, yet nothing is off-kilter on the palate, with sumptuous power and amazing freshness tied in effortless balance. There is a sense of ethereal lightness, intermixed with outstanding purity and precision, that makes you barely notice the 16% alcohol. As Vincent puts it ‘studying winemaking in Burgundy gave both my father and then me a lesson in elegance’. (05/2023)