2009 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Clos des Papes, Paul Avril & Fils, Rhône
- White
- Dry
- Full Bodied
Ready - at best
Product: 20091110490
Description
A textbook example of white Châteauneuf, this wine combines honeyed gravitas with grapefruit freshness, notes of poached pears, lime, lemongrass and hints of nutty potential. These white wines age wonderfully, taking on, amongst other things, Riesling and Chenin Blanc characteristics on their leisurely journey to maturity. Honeysuckle and ginger. Six cepages (Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Picpoul) all vinified together. Paul-Vincent Avril has never acidified because he has lots of Picpoul and Bourboulenc in cement. Bottled in March, and no oak. Round and showy, only just enough acid (no MLF). Big and full and spicy, but Clairette Picardin finesse. Very special. Very different from the oaked Roussanne of Beaucastel. Big!
(Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding MW & Tamlyn Currin- jancisrobinson.com, 19 Nov 2010)
(Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding MW & Tamlyn Currin- jancisrobinson.com, 19 Nov 2010)
Colour White
Sweetness Dry
Vintage 2009
Maturity Ready - at best
Body Full Bodied
Producer Paul Avril et Fils
About this wine
Paul Avril et Fils
With Vincent Avril at the helm, Clos des Papes is one of the most highly regarded properties; not only in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but in the world of wine. This family estate has been certified organic for 15 years, with high attention to detail translating into impressively low production levels. Given that the vines here average over 50 years of age, they are firmly prepared and able to withstand many ordeals, including Mistral winds at 140 kilometres an hour, severe heatwaves and drought conditions. Thankfully, they were spared from the latter two in 2020.
Find out more
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The largest and most important appellation in the southern Rhône, with more than 3,200 hectares of vineyards and over 80 growers, Châteauneuf-du-Pape produces more wine than the whole of the northern Rhône combined. The gloriously rich red wines, redolent of the heat and herbs of the south, are enhanced by the complexity which comes from blending several of the 14 permitted grape varieties including Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah.
Find out more