Clos des Papes Châteaneuf-du-Pape 2023

Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2023 is a poised and quietly powerful red from one of the region’s benchmark estates. Combining fragrant elegance with an unusually concentrated core of fruit, it captures the finesse of the vintage while retaining the depth and structure that Clos des Papes is known for. Already being talked about as one of the wines of the year, it is built to evolve beautifully in bottle.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2023 shows a vibrant, deep ruby hue with luminous clarity at the rim, signaling both energy and purity. The nose is captivating and complex, opening with sweet red berries, dark cherries and blood orange, layered with iris, violet, menthol and a subtle floral lift. Hints of spice, warm stones and a gentle garrigue character (dried herbs and wildflowers) add further nuance as it unfolds. On the palate, this is medium-bodied yet impressively dense and layered, with a more pronounced structure than in many recent vintages. A fleshy, succulent core of red and dark fruit is wrapped in fine, chalky tannins and a precise line of freshness, giving the wine a sense of both richness and weightlessness. The finish is long, salty and almost ethereal, tapering off with floral and citrus peel notes. While already harmonious, the 2023 has clear aging potential and should develop gracefully over 10–20 years, gaining in complexity, silkiness and aromatic depth.

Production
Clos des Papes farms some of the finest, biodiverse parcels in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, spread across the appellation’s classic terroirs of rolled galets (large rounded stones), limestone and sandy soils. These varied sites, combined with low yields and meticulous hand harvesting, allow for optimal ripeness while preserving freshness and balance. The wine is based on a traditional southern Rhône blend led by Grenache, complemented by other permitted varieties for structure and aromatics. After a careful sorting, the grapes are vinified parcel by parcel, typically with gentle extraction to avoid heaviness, followed by aging in large, neutral foudres. This restrained élevage respects the purity of the fruit and the character of the terroir rather than imposing marked oak influence.

Food & Serving
This Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a superb partner for refined yet flavorful dishes such as herb-crusted lamb, roast duck with cherries, slow-braised beef, or game birds with root vegetables. It also pairs wonderfully with truffled dishes, wild mushroom ragouts and aged hard cheeses like Comté or Manchego. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large Burgundy or Rhône-style glasses to highlight its aromatic complexity. Decant for 1–2 hours in its youth to allow the bouquet to fully open; as it matures, a shorter decant or careful service from the bottle will be sufficient.

Producer
Clos des Papes is one of the most revered estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with a history that stretches back to the 19th century and a lineage closely tied to the very identity of the appellation. Under the stewardship of the Avril family, the domaine has long championed low yields, meticulous vineyard work and a restrained, terroir-driven style, earning it a reputation among collectors and sommeliers worldwide. Consistently producing some of the region’s most complete and ageworthy wines, Clos des Papes has garnered numerous top scores and international accolades, and is frequently cited as a reference point for what great Châteauneuf-du-Pape can be in any given vintage.

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.