2018 Clementin du Chateau Pape Clement Rouge Pessac-Leognan

About the Wine

Welcome to the oldest wine estate in Pessac with more than 700 released vintages!

Château Pape Clement has a very long story to tell, the first vintage released was in 1252 and the estate has produced wine every year since. Previously the Château was called Domaine de la Mothe and acquired the name of Pape Clement thanks to its second owner, Gaillard de Goth brother of Bertrand de Goth who in 1305 was named Pope, Pope Clement V. Gaillar inherited the estate from his brother Bertrand and he, in turn, renamed the castle as we now know it.

The renowned Château passed through the hands of different owners, each of whom contributed something positive to the growth of the property. Since 1980, the Château could not fall into better hands than the passionate wine-lover and great wine entrepreneur Bernard Margez. For Bernard, Château Pape Clement was the beginning of his great career as a wine entrepreneur, Pape Clement is the first vineyard of 42 estates that he currently owns, including La Tour Carnet, Château Fombrauge, and Clos Haut Peyraguey.

Château Pape Clement is on the list of the Classification of Graves Wine of 1959, in which Haut-Brion is also enlisted. Located in the spectacular terroir of Pessac-Leognan, this Château's nearly 150-acre vineyard is fortunate to be situated on the oldest of the alluvial terraces known as the “Pyrenean gravel bed”.

The combination of an extraordinary climate, enviable soils, wine-making practices that are constantly innovating, cutting-edge technology, and the hand of technical advisor Michelle Rolland have allowed the word “Excellence” to be synonymous with this Château; And not only we say it, but the famous wine critic Robert Parker can also assure it, in 2009 and 2019 two wines from this Château obtained perfect 100 point scores.

In addition to being careful in all aspects of the quality of the wine and vineyard, they are also environmentally responsible and it is one of the few Châteaux certified with the highest environmental distinction according to France; the HVE 3.

“Produced with the same care and the same methods as the grand vin, Le Clémentin de Pape Clément is one of those second wines which are near-firsts, having acquired a status in their own right, as shown by the tasting notes and the high prices they command.” - Figaro Vin

Tasting Notes: 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.

Reviews

Blackcurrant, pine cone, walnut, crushed gravel, and dried flowers on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Sleek and refined. Try from 2023. ~94 James Suckling

With its structure balanced by textured black-currant fruits and acidity, this is an attractive second wine. Poise and freshness are matched by the tannins and dry core. Drink the wine from 2023. ~93 Wine Enthusiast

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Clémentin de Pape Clement strides confidently out of the glass with classic scents of ripe blackcurrants, juicy black plums, and cedar chest, plus touches of graphite, bay leaves, unsmoked cigars, and espresso. The medium-bodied, elegantly styled palate (13.5% alcohol) has a lot of grace and presence for a second wine, featuring finely grained tannins and seamless freshness to support the bright, black fruit flavors, finishing on a minerally note. ~92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2018 Clémentin de Pape Clément is so expressive. Crushed rose petal, gravel, spice, tobacco, and smoke all open in the glass. Medium in body, with striking aromatic presence and terrific persistence, the 2018 is just impeccable. The Clémentin is an understated wine with a ton of character. It's a gorgeous second wine from Pape Clément and Bernard Magrez. ~92 Antonio Galloni

The 2018 Clementin De Pape Clement is a fruit-froward, textured 2018 based on 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Lots of juicy blackcurrant, Bing cherry, tobacco, and cedary spice notes emerge from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a rounded, sumptuous texture, no hard edges, and loads of up-front charm. It's ideal for enjoying over the coming decade or more. ~91 Jeb Dunnuck

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