Classification | Cru Classe |
Type | Red |
Brand | Chateau Pape Clement |
Vintage | 2012 |
Country | France |
Region | Bordeaux, Graves |
Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bordeaux Blend |
Volume | 0,75 |
Condition | From Original Wooden Case |
Label | Perfect |
Stock | 0 |
The 2012 Pape Clement is one of the stars of the vintage, which is not surprising given this estate's performances over the last 10-15 years. A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, it exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color along with a beautifully sweet, graphite-scented nose with hints of black currants, Asian plum sauce, soy and forest floor. Impressively built with medium to full-bodied flavors, it has more layers than many wines from this vintage, an appealing density and a velvety texture.
Yields were a modest 37 hectoliters per hectare and the wine finished at 13.5% natural alcohol. This 132-acre estate has once again produced a prodigious wine in a challenging vintage. Bravo to proprietor Bernard Magrez!
Score: 89-92
Nice black currant and anise notes mix with charcoal and roasted apple wood. Good fleshy feel. Has some exotic spice notes and clearly roasted woodsy notes, but seems a touch shy on stuffing.
Rene Gabriel rates this wine 18/20 points.