Château Pape Clément rouge - Pessac-Léognan 2013

Wine Advocate

91 / 100

byNeal Martinthe10/28/2016

The 2013 Pape Clement has a not dissimilar bouquet to the Smith-Haut-Lafitte with blackberry, cedar and light tobacco scents gently unfolding in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and well judged acidity that binds it together. I like the detail here, one of the more precise 2013s with a tender finish that has a commendable persistence. This is an impressive 2013 that should bestow 12 to 15 years drinking pleasure.

La Revue du Vin de France

16,5 / 20

byPhilippe Maurangethe9/1/2016

Superbe moelleux en attaque de bouche et matière remarquablement fruitée, d'une grande fraicheur en finale. Les tannins sont lissés par un élevage de qualité, parfaitement dosé. Il dévoile en finale une déclinaison aromatique épicée et fruitée. Le millésime sert son caractère frais. 

Wine Spectator

86 / 100

the3/31/2016

Jamessuckling.com

92 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/15/2016

This is a fresh and clean red with plum, stone and cherry aromas and flavors. Medium to full body with fine tannins and a elegant, pretty finish. Very Burgundian texture to this. Drink or hold.

Wine Advocate

89-92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/29/2014

A strong effort, the 2013 Pape Clement boasts a dark ruby/plum color along with notes of black currants, mulberries, cherries, graphite, and a hint of white chocolate, medium body, more substance, depth and texture than most of its peers, soft, round tannins, and a straightforward finish. Made from a final blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, this wine achieved 13.5% natural alcohol. It can be consumed over the next 10-15 years.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

88-91 / 100

byStephen Tanzerthe5/16/2014

Deep ruby.  Spicy red cherry and dark chocolate aromas, along with strong mineral and pungent herbal notes.  Taut and minty, with red cherry and chocolate flavors lifted by zippy acidity.  Finishes with dusty tannins, a note of cedar and very good length.  Very good focus here, not to mention concentration and poise.

matthewjukes.com

16 / 20

byMatthew Jukesthe4/23/2014

Oaky and charry and rather too extracted, there is a bit too much of every element for true balance and it doesn’t suit the vintage.

Jancis Robinson

15,5 / 20

byRichard Hemmingsthe4/22/2014

Really rich and succulent blackcurrant fruit – very modern. Classic dry palate with smoothed-out tannins. Medium body, light tannins. An ‘everyday’ style of bordeaux.

Vinous

89-92 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/18/2014

The 2013 Pape Clément is a bit severe at this stage, but that should not be an issue over the next few years as the wine begins to approach the early part of its drinking window. Firm tannins support a core of expressive dark cherry, plum, grilled herbs, smoke and tobacco in a resonant wine that is going to need a little bit of time to open up. Tasted three times.

Decanter.com

17 / 20

bySteven Spurrierthe4/15/2014

Dense red, fine leafy and cassis nose with vineyard influence, good ripe fruit,  class and complexity to come

My Bettane + Desseauve

18 / 20

the4/15/2014

Admirable nez réglissé, texture délicieuse, très adroite intégration du boisé (bravo), longueur supérieure à celle de tous les autres échantillons, réussite majeure dans ce millésime si la bouteille confirme

Wine Advocate

91-93 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/15/2014

A blend 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot picked from the 3 October to 5 October, matured in 60% new oak and the remainder one-year old, this has a fragrant floral bouquet that has fine definition and vigour for the vintage, the oak a little obvious at the moment but that will integrate. The palate is medium-bodied with fine definition. This is quite elegant in the mouth with a decent fresh quite classic finish (13% alcohol). This Pape-Clement is very fine for the vintage - one of the best in the appellation although there are better vintages out there.

Jamessuckling.com

91-92 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/8/2014

The core of fruit is lovely here, with extremely integrated tannins and a mineral, stone and blueberry character. Full body. Bright finish. Earthy and spicy.      

Wine Spectator

88-91 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2014

Ripe and focused, with a beam of cassis and cherry compote, well-layered with ample spice-infused toast. This relies on oak more than acidity but remains sleek and integrated. Should be solid as long as this doesn’t dry out during the élevage. —J.M.

René Gabriel

17 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/3/2014

Dunkles Granat, recht satt in der Mitte, rubiner Rand. Für einmal erstaunlich schlank im Ansatz, kompottige Fruchtnoten, Waldbeeren und Kirschentöne, etwas Schokolade von warmem Merlot, angenehme Röstnoten und feine Kräuternuancen. Im Gaumen halbfüllig, recht saftig, in Innern rote Johannisbeeren und einen säuerlichen, an Weichseln erinnernden Touch zeigend.

Wine Enthusiast

91-93 / 100

byRoger Vossthe3/31/2014

This is a wine that has richness, a solid structure and a sense of power. It’s complex, ripe and full of blackberry fruits, all smoothed by the wood aging.