2017 Pape Clement
By Chateau Pape Clement
2017 Pape Clement from Chateau Pape Clement, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
The renowned 2017 Pape Clement from Chateau Pape Clement emerges as a testament to the resilience and deft craftsmanship of its makers in a challenging year. Crafting an impeccable wine in the face of adversity, Chateau Pape Clement has, once again, demonstrated their profound mastery over the terroir of Pessac-Leognan.
A Vintage Brought Forth by Patience and Precision
The 2017 vintage in Bordeaux endured a frost that slashed yields across the region, yet the gravely vineyards at Chateau Pape Clement were fortuitously spared. This serendipity allowed for concentrated attention on a smaller crop, resulting in a profound expression of their art. The wine encapsulates the year's cooler conditions and equips it with remarkable aging potential – an enthralling prospect for fine wine investors.
Evoking Complexity with Harmonious Balance
Listed amongst one of the oldest Grand Crus of Bordeaux, the illustrious Chateau leaves an indelible mark with their 2017 creation. It unravels layers of dark fruit embroidered with spicy oak notes, on a backdrop of finely grained tannins and robust structure that hint towards its excellent cellar longevity. Unlike the dense opulence found in warmer years, this splendid offering captures elegance and balance that purveyors of subdued finery seek.
The precision behind this wine's development cannot be overstated; its ingenuity lies in showcasing ripe tannins and restrained use of oak, which escorts the wine into a realm of graceful tension between immediacy and enduring complexity.
Capturing Essence with Nuanced Investment Appeal
While some may shun lesser hyped vintages, astute collectors comprehend the nuances that such years bring. The 2017 Pape Clement holds itself as prime for investment consideration – an articulate expression that sings the triumphs of its vintage conditions. Unerringly crafted with the intent to intrigue palates while promising longevity, it is a superb piston in any investment portfolio – a canvas displaying both the adversities and the triumphs of 2017.
In conclusion, the 2017 vintage from Chateau Pape Clement is a graceful reflection of Pessac-Leognan's brush with climatic challenges; a vintage with latent energy waiting to unravel over time. Allowing for years to work their charm on its composure will undoubtedly unveil marvels within this unique investment piece. The discerning collector will recognise its stature as one to observe closely – a crowning glory amongst contemporaries.
Market price (CAD)
$973.62
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
36.56
Scores and tasting notes
This is very dense for the vintage on the center palate and then rolls out on the palate. Full-bodied, tight and tannic. Very polished and refined at the end. Precise. A little more cabernet sauvignon in the blend gives this the tension.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
The 2017 Pape Clément is fabulous. One of the rare 2017s with a real sense of structure, Pape Clément possesses dazzling intensity from start to finish. A rush of dark cherry, plum, chocolate and grilled herb notes hits the palate as this majestic, towering wine shows off its personality. Time in the glass brings out a brighter and more floral set of flavors. The 2017 is the first vintage made with a portion of whole clusters, an inspiration Bernard Magrez takes from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where he recently bought a small property. Quite simply, the 2017 Pape Clément is a magnificent wine by any measure. Don't miss it. The only problem with the 2017 is that yields are down 40% because of frost.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
This has solid ripeness, with plum and cassis notes flowing through, along with an ambitious oak regimen that results in ample toasted vanilla hints. This clamps down a touch on the finish, but there’s good purity and freshness, with fresh acidity buried within, leaving me optimistic.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com
The current blend of the 2017 Pape Clement is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sings of crushed black cherries, black raspberries and mulberries with hints of lilacs and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied with a firm, grainy frame and wonderful freshness, it possesses great elegance and effortless intensity with a mineral-tinged finish.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com
The 2017 Pape Clément was not touched by the frost and was picked from 15 September to 3 October, manually de-stemmed berry by berry with some of the ripe stems added back into the blend (like Les Carmes Haut-Brion down the road). Malolactic is done in barrel where it aged for 18 months. It offers intense black cherry, raspberry, fig and sous-bois scents on the nose, tightly coiled at the moment with just a hint of cedar and tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannin, a mixture of red and black fruit, touches of cedar and white pepper, leading to a structured and fresh finish that leaves a spicy aftertaste. Classic in style, this Pape Clément will benefit from several years in bottle.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18