Classification | Cru Classe |
Type | Red |
Brand | Clos des Papes |
Vintage | 2001 |
Country | France |
Region | Rhone |
Grape | Rhone Blend |
Volume | 0,75 |
Condition | Perfect |
Label | Perfect |
Drinkable | 2009-2028 |
Stock | 0 |
Paul Avril feels that purchasers of the 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape should “wait ten years� before drinking it. A blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, and 5% Counoise, all aged in large wood foudres prior to being bottled without filtration, was produced from low yields of 27 hectoliters per hectare. A deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by a sweet bouquet of figs, raspberries, new saddle leather, autumnal forest floor, and resiny notes. Full-bodied with beautiful purity as well as a strikingly rich mouthfeel, this seriously endowed Chateauneuf admirably conceals its 14.5% alcohol. A structured finish and impressive extract levels suggest considerable longevity. This firmly tannic, intensely concentrated 2001 boasts great aromatic and palate presence, but it remains young and unevolved.
Lots of black currant, mineral, grilled herb, olive paste and bittersweet cocoa notes. A sinewy texture up front steadily puts on muscle and flesh through the back end, allowing additional hints of chestnut, tar and grilled beef to emerge. A beauty.