2016 Ch Pape Clement, Pessac-Leognan

Stunning concentration of perfectly ripe blackcurrants here with a delicate whiff of vanilla oak and extremely fine tannins that are almost perfectly integrated on the seductive and delicate palate, right through the almost literally breathtaking, super-long and very polished finish. Try from 2022.

98 points James Suckling Jan 2019

The 2016 Pape Clément is fabulous. Racy and sumptuous in the glass, the 2016 captures the style that now characterizes Bernard Magrez's wines from his estate in Pessac. Specifically, the 2016 is wonderfully deep in the glass, and yet retains terrific freshness as well. A rush of dark cherry, plum, smoke, scorched earth, grilled herb, leather and menthol builds as the 2016 shows off its compelling, inviting personality. I would prefer to give the 2016 at least a few years in bottle to allow its full breadth of aromatics to develop. Even so, there is so much to like. Pliant, supple and super-expressive, Pape Clément is gorgeous in 2016. Tasted two times.

96 points Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Tasted on two separate occasions, the 2016 Château Pape Clément never failed to impress, offering a huge, powerful, full-bodied personality as well as beautiful notes of cassis, graphite, high-class cigar tobacco, asphalt, and graphite. About as sexy as it gets in the vintage, with silky tannins and loads of fruit, it’s perfectly balanced and has a great finish. The 2016 is a blend of 60% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, all raised in 60% new barrels.

97 points Jeb Dunnuck

Few Bordeaux estates can trace their history as far back as Château Pape Clément. Founded in the 13th century and named after Pope Clement V, who was once Archbishop of Bordeaux before becoming Pope, the estate is one of the region's oldest and most historic vineyards. Today, under the stewardship of Bernard Magrez, Château Pape Clément is celebrated as one of the leading names in Pessac Léognan, producing wines that unite richness, refinement and remarkable ageing potential.

The exceptional 2016 vintage ranks among Bordeaux's finest, delivering fruit of extraordinary purity, concentration and freshness. The estate's renowned gravel and clay soils produced Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot of exceptional quality, while meticulous vineyard selection and precise winemaking created a wine of impressive depth and seamless balance. More than a decade on, it is entering a wonderful stage of development while retaining decades of life ahead.

Deep garnet with youthful ruby highlights, the bouquet is intensely aromatic, revealing cassis, blackberry and black cherry layered with cedar, graphite and cigar box. As the wine evolves, notes of violets, tobacco leaf, truffle, dark chocolate and subtle spice emerge, adding remarkable complexity. The palate is rich yet beautifully sculpted, with concentrated black fruits supported by polished tannins, vibrant acidity and a finely etched mineral backbone. Long, powerful and effortlessly refined, the finish lingers with savoury depth, smoky nuance and classic Pessac Léognan elegance.

An outstanding partner for roast venison, Chateaubriand, herb crusted lamb, duck with black truffle or mature hard cheeses. Already magnificent with extended decanting, this distinguished Bordeaux has the pedigree and structure to reward collectors for decades.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2055.