Château Pape Clément Pessac-Léognan rouge 2019 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Its name is enough to describe the status this estate has occupied for thirty years. Here, everything verges on perfection: whites and reds are racy and sophisticated.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the domain :

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

Bernard Magrez, who also owns Châteaux La Tour Carnet (Haut-Médoc) and Fombrauge (Saint-Émilion), has made this estate his flagship. Nothing is left to chance to produce the finest wine possible. The quest for optimum ripeness, hand de-stemming, luxurious ageing... This is the archetypal luxury Bordeaux, modern, immediately seductive and evolving with great charm. On the other side of the coin, some vintages have gone overboard. Time then sets things right and calms the wine's ardor, as the terroir eventually takes over. However, since the 2012 vintage, we've noticed a change in style, moving towards wines less marked by the sometimes excessive quest for ripeness, and towards less intense ageing, which is clearly evident in our latest tastings, particularly with the 2015 vintage. In small quantities, the estate produces a white (aged partly in ovoid concrete vats) with a delicate muskiness and elegance that place it at the top of the Sauvignon-dominated Graves.

Vinous A. Galloni

About the wine:

Pape Clément 2019 is every bit as impressive as it was en primeur. It shows all the textural richness so typical of Bernard Magrez wines, but with an added freshness that gives it energy and a sense of proportion. This 2019 is a wine of great scope and class. Luscious black cherries, plums, mocha, new leather and licorice are beautifully delineated. But most of all, I find the wine's energy truly impressive. This is a fabulous vintage for Pape Clément. Tasted 2 times. 2027 - 2039

James Suckling

About the wine:

Notes of gunflint and berries with some blackberry and black tea character. Just a touch of smokiness and ripe fruit. It's so refined, subtle and gorgeous with body, ultra-fine tannins and a succulent finish. The midpalate is dense and complete. It goes on for minutes. So subtle and refined, concentrated and classy. To be tried after 2026.

Le Figaro vins

About the wine:

A roasted nose, with aromas of caramel and mocha, and an evolved side. On the palate, freshness and beautiful bitters accompany notes of fern and spices. A salivating, silky wine, with a deliciously chalky touch.

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

The intense nose of blackcurrant and blackberry develops a spicy complexity. From the suave attack, the wine unfurls an impressive velvety framework: a silky texture with melted tannins, bursting with full, fleshy aromas of juicy black fruit, toasty notes and floral iris. A concentrated, dense wine with magnificent balance. The finish is fruity and floral, with hints of marigold and spicy freshness. A Pape Clément true to its signature, racy and elegant.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Subtle and filigree, the bouquet of the 2019 nonetheless underlines a change of direction; it appears that we've refocused on a less opulent, less demonstrative style. The wine stands out for its finesse, creamy yet precise tannins and an acid structure that lends tone to the finish. The finish is lively, even a little saline and persistent. 2029-2055

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

Almost opaque in color, the wine starts with an intense array of aromas of smoke, tobacco, cigar box, flowers, spices, black plums and blackberries. On the palate, the wine is rich, lush, polished, full-bodied, deep, long and fresh. The finish easily passes the 50-second mark, leaving you with an opulent texture, layers of perfectly ripe, sensual, rich black fruits. As the amount of oak has been reduced during the aging process, the fruit is able to shine to the fore, giving it greater vitality and purity. This is a great vintage from Pape Clément that clearly deserves your attention. Drink between 2030 and 2060.