2005 Pape Clement
By Chateau Pape Clement
2005 Pape Clement from Chateau Pape Clement, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
Walking through the aromatic labyrinth of the 2005 Pape Clement from Chateau Pape Clement, one is immediately ensconced in a tapestry of olfactory complexity. This vintage emerges from the renowned terrains of Pessac-Leognan with a finesse that is simply beguiling.
A Year of Defining Character
Understanding the climactic narrative of 2005 is pivotal when appraising this sophisticated nectar. A year that brought Bordeaux a glorious summer and an untroubled ripening season, it culminated in harvest conditions that many an oenologist dreams about. The essence of the vintage rests within the bottle – exquisitely distilled in the form of the 2005 Pape Clement.
The Investment Elixir: A Sensory Wealth
Invitingly deep garnet in hue, this wine exudes elegance with its rich and exuberant nose. One experiences layered whispers of blackcurrant, spicy oak, and hints of warm earth – signalling an investment piece with a bouquet that has been shaped by its storied terroir. On the palate, it reveals structured tannins, borne from its youth but mellowed gracefully with age. The balance between power and poise is masterful – an alchemical interplay befitting those with an astute eye for vinous treasures.
A Vintage That Speaks Volumes
The intricate flavours dance – dark cherry, tobacco, and a touch of anise mark the profile of this 2005 Pape Clement. Each sip is akin to leafing through an expertly written tome; you'll find chapters of flavour that speak volumes on the prowess of Chateau Pape Clement's winemaking team and the irreproachable quality of this region.
In summary, as investors seek to diversify portfolios with tangible assets that not only persist but flourish with age, the 2005 Pape Clement stands as a paragon amongst collectible wines. Its history intrinsically tied to that idyllic Bordeaux year, it serves as an investment beacon for connoisseurs seeking to capture a timeless piece of viniculture at its pinnacle.
Market price (GBP)
£1,850.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
102.78
Scores and tasting notes
Probably the greatest Pape-Clement ever made, the dense purple-colored 2005 (a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon) exhibits sumptuous notes of smoky scorched earth, graphite, melted licorice, and blackberries. Once past the exquisite perfume, the wine reveals full body, extraordinary concentration, plenty of chocolate, smoke, cassis, and blackberry flavors, and that unmistakable volcanic ash-like earthiness that comes from this appellation. The tannins are slightly sweeter than those found in most northern Medocs, but this is still a backward, large-scaled effort that requires 7-8 years of cellaring. It should last for 30-35 years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #176
The Pape-Clement 2005 has a surprisingly reticent nose at first but then blossoms in the glass to reveal a wine with impressive lift and delineation, very fine minerality developing in the glass with scents of blackberry, wild hedgerow, liquorice and black olive. The palate is medium-bodied but seems to develop more sinew in the glass. It has a firm structure: masculine with dark black fruits, tobacco, cedar and a touch of plum. Very good focus and poise, long and persistent on the tightly wound finish with a saline tang on the finish. It will require a few more years to reach its plateau. Drink 2015-2030. Tasted July 2010.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2011