2009 Chateau Pape Clement Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 1x750ml

Vinous 94

The 2009 Pape-Clement has a very intense, slightly smudged bouquet with heady red fruit laced with smoke, hickory and light earthenware scents. It takes time to settle although, it does gain clarity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, well balanced with a fine bead of acidity. I find the finish just missing the tension of precision conveyed by say, the 2010 or 2016, to name but two superior vintages. This is a very fine Pape-Clement, but they have produced even greater examples in recent years. Tasted at BI Wines & Spirits’ Ten Year On tasting. [Neal Martin, 14/03/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2045

Robert Parker 99

Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2009 Pape Clement struts flamboyantly out of the glass, featuring beautifully opulent preserved black fruits, Morello cherries and Chinese five spice with underlying notions of truffles, iron ore and tobacco plus a waft of sandalwood. Full-bodied, the voluptuous fruit has a firm foundation of super ripe, grainy tannins and bags of freshness supporting layer upon layer of black fruit, exotic spices and earth-laced flavors, finishing very long. [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 22/02/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2055