Clos des Papes Châteaneuf-du-Pape 2021

Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021 is a profound and structured expression of this iconic Southern Rhône estate. Compared with the more approachable 2022, the 2021 shows greater depth, power, and a darker, more serious profile. It weaves floral elegance together with spice and intensity, offering a wine that is both irresistibly charming today and clearly built for long-term cellaring.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Clos des Papes 2021 is deep ruby to garnet with a vivid, almost electric brightness at the rim. The nose opens with lifted notes of iris and lilac, followed by hints of violet, dried herbs, white pepper, and subtle garrigue. As it unwinds, layers of black cherry, ripe raspberry, and plum emerge, framed by gentle notes of licorice, warm stones, and a fine, peppery spice. On the palate, this is full-bodied, concentrated, and tightly knit, with a solid, dark-fruited core. The wine shows the estate’s hallmark tension: an interplay of richness and freshness that keeps the palate precise rather than heavy. Juicy black and red berries, spiced cherry, and a touch of cocoa are wrapped in polished, velvety tannins that feel both refined and authoritative. The finish is long, ethereal, and peppery, lingering with floral and mineral nuances. While already impressive, the structure and balance indicate excellent aging potential; this 2021 should evolve beautifully over 10–15 years or more in a good cellar.

Production
Clos des Papes farms some of the finest parcels in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, spread across multiple terroirs of galets roulés (rounded river stones), limestone, sand, and clay, which contribute both power and finesse to the blend. The 2021 cuvée is typically dominated by Grenache, supported by Mourvèdre, Syrah, and a small proportion of other permitted Rhône varieties, all sourced from low-yielding, old vines. Grapes are harvested by hand with strict selection in the vineyard and at the cellar door to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy fruit is used. Vinification is traditionally styled: fermentation in temperature-controlled vats, with gentle extraction to preserve aromatics and texture rather than brute force. The wine is then aged in large, old oak foudres, which impart no overt oak flavor but allow the wine to harmonize and gain complexity before bottling without filtration.

Food & Serving
This 2021 Clos des Papes pairs beautifully with richly flavored dishes such as slow-braised lamb shank, roasted duck with herbs, game birds, grilled ribeye, or hearty stews with root vegetables and Provençal herbs. It also works well alongside aged hard cheeses like Comté, Manchego, or a mature Gouda. Serve at 16–18°C (about 60–64°F) for optimal expression. Decanting for 1–2 hours in its youth is recommended to soften the tannins and allow the floral and spicy notes to fully emerge, while older bottles will require a gentler, shorter decant mainly to remove any sediment.

Producer
Clos des Papes is one of the most revered estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with a history stretching back to the 19th century and a reputation built on consistency, finesse, and terroir transparency. Run by the Avril family for generations, the domaine has long been a benchmark for the appellation, favoring a single, estate-wide red blend rather than multiple cuvées, in order to capture the full spectrum of its diverse vineyards. Over the decades, Clos des Papes has garnered international acclaim, including multiple top scores and global ‘Wine of the Year’ honors, helping to cement Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s status among the world’s great wine regions. Their philosophy of meticulous vineyard work, restrained yields, and traditional, non-interventionist winemaking has made Clos des Papes a reference point for serious Rhône enthusiasts.

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.