One of the famed white wines of the world, Chateau Pape Clement is one of the few left bank wineries in Bordeaux that has made an international reputation for their stunning Bordeaux Blanc.There are historical records of Chateau Pape Clement the harvest taking place in 1252 as this historic winery is named after the Archbishop of Bordeaux, Bertrand de Got, who was named Pope in 1305 under the name of Clement V. Thus, Pape Clement was named. Pape Clement has the oldest estate vineyard planted in this region, in Pessac, just southwest of Bordeaux.
Fast forward several centuries, the vineyard remained owned by archbishops of Bordeaux until the French Revolution which nationalized this property. The Revolution led to a succession of owners who developed the property commercially and by the mid-19th century Pape Clement was considered to be second only to Haut-Brion in quality in the region. Following the death of Paul Montagne at 94, his son Léo Montagne has joint-ownership of the estate, and they partnered with Bernard Magrez, as they employ Michel Rolland as consulting winemaker.
I have long admired the white wines of Chateau Pape Clement and there is just something so striking about them. Whether it is the salinity, the brilliant tension or viscosity created in the wines, they are truly some of the best Bordeaux Blancs in the world. The blending for these wines are typically equal parts Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, with very small portions of Muscadelle. Obviously this all depends on the vintage.
A few weeks back I visited this famed chateau and sat for a stunning retrospective of Chateau Pape Clement Blanc. One common thread was how incredibly well the wine performed even in the most challenging of vintages. For instance, I have been quite underwhelmed with the quality of Bordeaux wines produced in 2008 but the 2008 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc (WWB, 97) is truly one of the great wines of the vintage and is absolutely scintillating right now with its incredible viscosity, and gobs of mouth-watering acidity. For those who prefer the intense, massive side of Bordeaux Blanc, this is right up your alley. Even better was the 2015 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc (WWB, 98) which is truly one of the finest wines from Bordeaux I have sampled in the past year. The purity of this wine is mesmerizing as this also displays an unctuous texture with incredible viscosity and minerality. Learn more about these sensational white Bordeaux wines at http://www.bernard-magrez.com/en/wines/chateau-pape-clement Here are the brilliant Chateau Pape Clement Blanc wines.
2006 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc- The 2006 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc has aged marvelously at the thirteen year mark. The wine takes on wonderful earthy aromas with black truffle, crushed wet stone and kumquat with lighter citrus tones. The aromatic range is insanely good and brings you back to the glass for more. The palate has wonderful richness and intensity with starfruit, brandy soaked pear and Challah bread flavors with wild mushroom undertones. This stunning wine is remarkably still an infant and has an exceedingly long life ahead of it. Drink 2019-2040- 95
2008 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc- The 2008 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc is a stunning aged white Bordeaux that is absolutely singing at its 11 year range. The powerful nose overwhelms you ranging from deep tropical fruits with white truffle and leather undertones. With beautiful mouth-watering acidity, the palate delights the senses, showing serious weight that impresses. White peach, pink grapefruit and bright brioche flavors all energize you. Seductive and rich, this stunning wine is just nearing being ready — and has decades left. Drink 2019-2040- 97
2015 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc- The 2015 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc is one of the first wines that I have sampled from Bordeaux over the past year. The simply captivating nose takes on heavenly aromas of honeysuckle, apricot and white flowers that connect with the beautiful earthy tones. The aromatic range here is really gratifying. The palate has incredible weight but is highly lifted with bright acidity. Kumquat and lemon zest with brioche, wet stone and Japanese pear flavors. Bright and simply seductive, this is a stunning new white wine that needs time but will reward you in a decade. Try to give this at least five years before you visit it again. Drink 2025-2050- 98
2015 Chateau Pape Clement Rouge- The 2015 Chateau Pape Clement red wine is a stunning new release that has massive potential. On the nose this beautiful wine takes on intense aromas of red currant with blackberry cordial, smoke and red bell pepper. The palate is very rich and decadent with great freshness and intensity. Red bell pepper, cassis and leather flavors combine with earthy undertones on the palate. Rich and beautifully layered, this elegant wine will cellar well for the next several decades. Drink 2019-2039- 95