Castle Pape Clément - Pessac-Léognan red 2014

Vinous

92-95 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe5/11/2015

The 2014 Pape Clément is dark, sensual and alluring, with wonderful contrasts from riper and more savory elements that take shape in the glass. Super-ripe dark cherries, smoke, graphite, incense, tobacco and crushed rocks are pushed forward in a decidedly ripe, voluptuous Pessac endowed with notable personality. A second sample, tasted a day later, was much more mineral-driven and focused, with the fruit pushed to the background. Either way, the 2014 Pape Clément is one of the most overly modern, lush wines being made today in Pessac-Léognan. As such, it will appeal most to readers who like exuberance and opulence. While not exactly my cup of tea, there is no denying the 2014 Pape Clément is fabulous. 92-95+

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-93 / 100

byJeff Levethe5/5/2015

Deep ruby in color, the wine opens with floral, mineral, cherry, caramel and coffee bean scents. It is soft, fresh, round juicy on the palate, ending with sweet, blackberry, vanilla and black currants in the finish. Produced by blending 57.5% Merlot, 37.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.7% alcohol with a pH of 3.7 92-93 Pts

Wine Advocate

93-95 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/30/2015

The Château Pape Clément 2014 is a blend of 57.5% Merlot, 37.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot picked from 24 September until 20 October. It is matured in 60% new oak. Strangely, first sniff of the nose whisks you away to the Côtes de Nuits, such is its purity. Small dark cherries, hints of crème de cassis and vanilla; it is beautifully poised and with continued aeration there is just a suggestion of dark chocolate. The palate is full-bodied and dense in the mouth, the oak nicely integrated here and the acidity well judged. It actually possesses the linearity of the La Mission Haut-Brion ’14 tasted on the previous visit. There is no fantail on the finish, but there is plenty of mineralité and tension. Tasted four or five times and never to be under-estimated.

Jancis Robinson

17 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/22/2015

Dark crimson. Round and like fermented blackcurrant pastilles. Lots of drive and interest here. The fruit, just, overwhelms the framework.

Asian Palate

89 / 100

byJeannie Cho Lee MWthe4/20/2015

The wines from Pape Clement are getting better every year - the wines are now fresh and lively without an excess of oak. Lively red fruits and plum with layers of red fruits and sweet violets. A solid vintage, ready young as this is an approachable style, but should age for 10 years easily. Consulted by Michel Rolland.

Decanter.com

18,25 / 20

byJane Ansonthe4/17/2015

This is a restrained version of Pape Clément compared to some vintages, and for me all the more successful because of it. Fine but firm tannins, there is a grip and lovely hold to the fruits, which in turn are dark, brambly, bilberry and cassis. Great potential for medium to long term. Without the swagger that the château displays in 2009 or 2010, but I love the stylistic expression here, from 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Good yields also, 45 hl/h, so it is concentrated but not overly so. Drink: 2023-2035 (94)

Jamessuckling.com

93-94 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/10/2015

This shows finesse and class of the vintage with pure blackberry and currant character. Full body, fine tannins and a beautiful finish.

timatkin.com

90 / 100

byTim Atkin MWthe4/7/2015

René Gabriel

18 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/1/2015

Sattes Purpur-Granat. Parfümiertes Bouquet, wunderschöne Röstnote, welche aber deutlich von den Barriques her stammen, ein Hauch Amarena, Brotkruste, reife Pflaumen, er hat aber auch eine schöne, frische Note darin. Im Gaumen erstaunlich elegant, die Tannine sind fondiert, will heissen angerundet, eine traumhafte Kokossüsse geht vom Extrakt aus. Kein Monster - aber halt doch sehr modern vinifiziert. Hat mir Spass bereitet und zeigt auch deutlich auf, dass das Pessac, der Region Léognan in diesem Jahr haushoch überlegen ist. 18/20 2020 – 2040

Wine Enthusiast

94 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/1/2015

93–95. Barrel Sample. This wine is rich, full of ripe berry and black currant fruits. Its generous, ripely fruity character balances the ample freshness to yield a wine already showing harmony. The finish is bright and lively.

Wine Spectator

91-94 / 100

byJames Molesworththe3/31/2015

Broad and hefty, with a wall of ganache out front, followed by steeped fig and blackberry paste flavors. The dense, loamy finish lets the toast hold sway. Shows
more power than purity, but there's density and length here, too. For fans of the style.