“Clos des Papes stands as a benchmark estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.” – Wine Advocate

Wine cognoscenti! Collectors and aficionados! 2023 CLOS DES PAPES JUST IN!

An instant classic and much sought after year after year. It always brings in huge scores.

Like 99+ points for this one, “dubbed a strong candidate for wine of the vintage” by Wine Advocate. That we have ANY is an extraordinary feat. To have it at this unobtanium-type HALF OFF? Pure madness.

Clos des Papes is one of the most prolific producers in all of Châteauneuf. Always busting at the seams as a top-rated wine in every vintage. Owner Paul Avril makes these in a more ‘Burgundian’ style - not as concentrated and brawny, but showing off that rounder, polished, and ethereal quality that the greatest Rhône reds are known for.

What do we think? Words fall short here - as most of us were rendered speechless. But if you know the name, that should be all you need to be rushing through the checkout after you saw the price. And if you need some background on this vintage, please read the book report …err, I mean the tasting note Wine Advocate so elaborately penned. And mind this part in particular: “one that should evolve with grace over the coming years to attain a likely perfect score.”

No doubt more huge scores will roll in. We rarely see a deal more astounding, compelling, and straight-up irresistible. If Châteauneuf gets your blood pumping, you MUST grab all you can. THIS ONE IS LIMITED!!

99+ Points – Wine Advocate “Clos des Papes stands as a benchmark estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It was founded under its current name in 1896 by Paul Avril and is today directed by Paul-Vincent Avril. Rather than pursuing innovation for its own sake, the Domaine has refined traditional practices with quiet rigor and unwavering fidelity to terroir. The estate farms around 40 hectares—including three hectares of white varieties—divided into more than 30 parcels across diverse soils (sand, clay-limestone, galets roulés). All 13 permitted grape varieties are cultivated organically, with minimal treatments. Yields are kept deliberately low (around 25 hectoliters per hectare) to preserve concentration and balance in warm vintages. Harvest is entirely manual, with parcel-specific timing; whites are picked early for freshness, while reds are picked at full maturity but never overripe. Grapes arrive intact, without mechanical intervention. In the cellar, fermentations rely exclusively on indigenous yeasts. Reds are 100% destemmed - a practice established fully in 1991 - and vinified by parcel or co-fermented, depending on the year. No enzymes, acidification or aggressive extractions are employed; macerations are long and gentle, with restrained remontage and pigeage. Élevage lasts 15-18 months in large, neutral foudres, some over a century old, with no new oak and minimal fining or filtration. The reds emphasize aromatic clarity, ripe but fine tannins, vivid fruit and long aging potential. Production focuses on two wines only - a red and a white Châteauneuf-du-Pape - with no special cuvées. The red typically blends 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 5% other varieties; Mourvèdre’s role has grown, especially in warm vintages, for its acidity retention and structural freshness. Clos des Papes embodies traditionalism adapted to modern challenges: adjustments in picking dates, variety proportions and selection practices address climate change, but there is no new oak, over-ripeness or extraction excess. Paul-Vincent Avril’s methodical approach aims not to reinvent the appellation but to render its nuances with precision and consistency year after year. The 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape from Clos des Papes is exquisite, wafting from the glass with a captivating bouquet of sweet red berries, iris, dark cherries, menthol, blood orange and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, layered and textured, it’s denser than usual, with a more pronounced structure and a lovely, fleshy core of fruit. Concluding with an ethereal, saline and weightless finish, this is a strong candidate for wine of the vintage - one that should evolve with grace over the coming years to attain a likely perfect score. Drink 2025-2050.”