Clos des Papes | Southern Rhône | Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc AOC | 2023 | 750ml

Beschreibung

Product description for Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc AOC 2023

The 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Picpoul, and Picardan. For Paul-Vincent Avril, 2023 was the 37th vintage at the estate. Avril works with average yields of 20 hl/ha, which is significantly lower than the AOC limit of 35 hl/ha—which is already low. Add to that the weather: “In six vintages, I’ve lost the equivalent of two. In ’17, rot, -40%. In ’18, mildew, -70%. ’19 and ’20 were good. In ’21, almost 40% loss due to frost. In ’22, hail, -40%.” The grapes were pressed directly as whole clusters, and all grape varieties were fermented together (gradually depending on ripeness) in a cement cuvée at 18 to 21°C for four weeks. There is no malolactic fermentation here to preserve the acidity. The wine is then fermented and aged in large foudres.

Colour

light golden yellow

Nose

It is astonishing how open and inviting the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2023, while still so young, already appears today. Decanting is recommended nonetheless. The cuvée has a delicious, pure aroma of grapefruit and lemon peel, honeysuckle and clover, pears, and white peaches. This is overshadowed by a hint of reduction and crushed stone, fennel, and aniseed. It’s hard to classify this wine blindly as a Châteauneuf-du-Pape, as it appears so fresh and clear.

Palate

On the palate, however, this wine presents exactly what it should be: a Grand Cru among the white Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with a precisely calculated fullness and opulence, paired with freshness and minerality. It is a powerful yet elegant and complex wine with a silky consistency and ripe fruit of pears, quinces, and stone fruit, ripe citrus notes with tart zest, herbs, anise, and fennel seed, as well as a mouthwatering salinity on the finish.

Copyright Vinaturel 2025

Keywords: Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc AOC 2023 Southern-Rhône France

Wine Advocate

Score: 95

Crafted from six permitted varieties in equal proportions, co-fermented and cold-settled for one night, the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc from Clos des Papes exhales a delicate, complex bouquet of fennel, verbena, pear, iodine, herbs and acacia blossoms. Medium to full-bodied, pure and seamless, it’s built around bright acids, a layered, lovely structured texture and a long, ethereal, saline finish. The phenolic aftertaste adds a racy profile that I find particularly appealing.
Yohan Castaing

Vinous

Score: 94

Vivid honeysuckle, lemon peel, ripe pear and spring blossom introduce the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc. Fennel and grapefruit add more layers to what is yet another captivating white Clos des Papes from Paul-Vincent Avril. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced by mild acidity, the 2023 closes with delicate salinity on the persistent finale.
— Nicolas Greinacher
Drinking window: 2025 – 2040
Review date: Jun 2024

Producer website: https://www.clos-des-papes.fr/