Clos des Papes Châteaneuf-du-Pape 2019

Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019 is a benchmark southern Rhône red that marries power with precision, offering a symphonic balance of richness, finesse, and length. Revered for its purity of fruit and sensual, silk-textured tannins, this vintage has already drawn critical acclaim, including 98/100 from Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider). Produced in tiny yields of just 22 hl/ha and from 100% destemmed fruit, it is a quintessentially age-worthy Clos des Papes that will reward patience over the next two to three decades.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2019 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape shows a deep, luminous ruby core with hints of garnet at the rim, promising both concentration and refinement. The nose is layered and expressive, opening with sweet kirsch and black cherry compote, followed by notes of leather, crushed stones, garrigue herbs, and subtle spice. Underneath the fruit lie mineral and savory tones that speak clearly of its historic terroir. On the palate, this wine is striking for its sense of symmetry: dense yet poised, rich yet never heavy. The sweet red and black cherry fruit is wrapped in a sensual, almost velvety texture, with ultra-fine, silky tannins that coat the mouth without any harshness. Hints of licorice, dried thyme, and warm earth add complexity, while a vibrant line of freshness keeps the concentrated core perfectly in check. The finish is long, elegant, and persistent, suggesting that the wine is still only at the beginning of its evolution. While already impressive, it is best approached from 2025 onward and has the structure and balance to age gracefully until around 2040 or beyond.

Production
The 2019 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape comes from a mosaic of old-vine parcels spread across the appellation’s finest terroirs, combining galets roulés (large rolled pebbles), sand, clay, and limestone—each contributing to complexity, finesse, and natural balance. The blend is composed of approximately 45% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, with the remaining 5% made up of other permitted local varieties, reflecting the traditional diversity of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Yields were rigorously restricted to about 22 hectoliters per hectare, enhancing concentration and purity. Harvesting is done by hand to ensure optimal selection in the vineyard, and, as is standard at Clos des Papes, the grapes are 100% destemmed to emphasize elegance and silkiness over rusticity. The vinification is classic and minimally interventionist, with gentle extraction and maturation in large neutral vessels, allowing the character of the fruit and terroir to shine without overt oak influence.

Food & Serving
This is a superb gastronomic wine, ideally suited to richly flavored yet refined dishes. Think herb-crusted lamb, slow-braised beef or venison, duck with cherries, or rustic Provençal stews such as daube; it also pairs beautifully with grilled game birds, mushroom dishes, and aged hard cheeses like Comté or mature Gouda. Serve at around 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity without emphasizing alcohol. Decanting is strongly recommended in its youth—give it 1–2 hours if opened before 2028, and at least 30–60 minutes even when more mature—to allow the wine to unfurl its full spectrum of fruit, spice, and mineral notes.

Producer
Clos des Papes is one of the most revered and historic estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with roots in the region dating back to the 19th century and a family presence in local viticulture even earlier. Today, it is expertly run by Paul-Vincent Avril, who has elevated the domaine to the very top tier of southern Rhône producers through meticulous vineyard work, low yields, and an unwavering commitment to balance and terroir expression. The estate farms multiple parcels scattered across the appellation, a key to the complexity and consistency of its flagship red. Clos des Papes has long been a reference point for traditional yet refined Châteauneuf-du-Pape and is frequently cited by critics and collectors alike as one of the greatest producers in the region, with numerous high scores and long-lived vintages to its name.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.