2022 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone

The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape is showing beautifully, with the sun-kissed style of the vintage yet more depth and density than most in the vintage. Blackberries, Provençal garrigue, spice, and saddle leather all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with the classic elegance of the estate in its medium to full-bodied, layered, multi-dimensional style. It's one of the wines of the vintage and will have two decades of longevity.

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Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the most iconic and revered wines of the Southern Rhône. Crafted by the Avril family, with Paul-Vincent Avril at the helm, this wine is a masterclass in balance, tradition and terroir expression. The domaine owns plots across all of Châteauneuf’s diverse soil types, allowing them to create a perfectly harmonised blend that captures the full complexity of the region.

The red is typically a mix of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and smaller portions of several permitted varieties, all co-fermented in concrete and matured in large old foudres. Paul-Vincent avoids new oak, preferring purity and transparency to showcase the vineyard's voice. The farming is certified organic, and yields are kept low to focus intensity.

In the glass, Clos des Papes reveals a fragrant nose of ripe cherry, raspberry, crushed herbs, lavender and warm stones. On the palate it’s powerful yet refined, with seamless tannins, juicy red and black fruits, and layers of spice, earth and garrigue. It carries great length and poise, always walking the line between richness and elegance.

This wine shines alongside slow-roasted meats, Provençal dishes, spiced lentils or grilled eggplant. It’s incredibly age-worthy, often drinking beautifully after ten years and continuing to evolve for two decades or more.