2011 Pape Clement
By Chateau Pape Clement
2011 Pape Clément from Château Pape Clément, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux
The remarkable 2011 Pape Clément from Château Pape Clément graces the palate with a richness and integrity unique to its vintage. Standing as a testament to the exceptional savoir-faire of this noble estate, nestled in the esteemed terrains of Pessac-Léognan, this wine encapsulates the tenacity of a harvest that flirted with climatic caprices.
Vintage Precision: A Reflection of 2011
Not unlike the engaging complexities of Bordeaux's own history, the 2011 vintage combines intensity and elegance, owing much to a climatic year that began with promise and ended with a race against time. The meticulous selection and unwavering dedication at Château Pape Clément transcend the challenges faced during the growth cycle, culminating in a wine that offers both a luxuriant depth and an astute grace.
A Symphony of Palate and Potential
The 2011 Pape Clément sings with a structured bouquet of dark cherries, cassis, and subtle smoky oak undertones – a harmony that unfurls with every swirl in the chalice. On the palate, this formidable red integrates tannins that are as fine-grained as they are persistent, suggesting an admirable propensity for ageing. Rich yet nuanced layers reveal themselves—a tightrope dance of vibrant acidity and dark fruit purity—proving yet again that the alchemical combination of terroir and human skill at this château can result in wines befitting the finest cellars and most selective investment portfolios.
In concert with its intrinsic qualities, 2011 Pape Clément boasts an admirable structure and length that speaks volumes of its cellar-worthy stature. Investors noting an addition to their anthology should find reassurance in this vintage's ability to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its chronologically diverse peers.
Concluding Thoughts on Investment-Worthiness
For aficionados of Bordeaux seeking to diversify their collection with a vintage that embodies resilience and craft, the 2011 Pape Clément presents itself as a distinguished candidate. Its journey from vineyard to vanguard has been meticulously crafted by the gifted hands at Château Pape Clément; thereby, assuring connoisseurs that age will only further enhance its complex narrative—a narrative waiting to be discovered within each bottle.
Market price (CAD)
$1,320.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
49.38
Scores and tasting notes
The 2011 Pape Clement, a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, was aged 18 months in new French oak before being bottled unfiltered. Absolutely profound, with a complex bouquet of mulberries, black cherries, black currants, graphite and subtle smoke and burning ember-like aromas, this is a true super-star of the vintage. It represents a remarkable achievement by the winemaking team of Bernard Magrez. Full-bodied, rich and multidimensional, this wine clearly transcends the entire vintage. It should age effortlessly for 25 years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #212 Apr 2014
The 2011 is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot cropped between 16th September and 7th October. It has a very refined bouquet with ripe blackberry, briary, crushed stone and graphite, almost Pauillac in style with impressive delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannins, good acidity and much more substance than I was expecting. It is a Pape Clement whose byword is: panache. It is supremely well put together, very harmonious with a seamless finish that slips down the throat. Unashamedly modern in style as one would expect, but it is very well crafted. Tasted April 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012
The nose of violets, warm stone and blueberries is very impressive. Full body, with chewy tannins and a firm finish. Outstanding but like to see a little more fruit in the mid-palate. Chewy.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 1st 2012