2020, Domaine Paul Avril, CLOS DES PAPES, Rouge

"I can tell you 2020 is, I think, a great year that will stand the test of time.
A very balanced, fine vintage with great freshness and good length in the mouth. Everything was climatically united".
Vincent Avril, Domaine Clos des Papes.

A very Clos des Papes vintage,' says Vincent Avril, and I know what he means - a vintage that naturally delivers the kind of fresh, elegant wines that this estate is famous for. A tasting of several foudres point to a wine with natural, easy balance. The Mourvèdre is excellent here this year, and adds great depth to the fresh and delightful Grenache that has notes of black tea, black cherry and iron. Elegant and very fine.
98/100 Matt Walls, DECANTER Magazine.

Floral fine aromas of dark cherries. Suave but with crunch and freshness to the palate. Lovely morello and red cherry notes infused with gentle peppery spices. Very fine, pure and precise. Gentle and charming, but not lacking for substance. The intricate flavours float across the palate, guided by a fine seam of freshness, and culminate in a long, persistent but effortless finish. Spellbinding. A blend of approximately 55% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, no more than 10% Syrah and 10% of the other permitted varieties. A blend of 14 organically-farmed parcels from across the commune, de-stalked, fermented in tank and then aged in large wooden vat for 12 months. Justerini & Brooks, London.

Fragrant and fine aromatically with cherry and kirsch notes. Palate rich, suave and supple, the Grenache component to the fore. Tannins really fine and integrated offering length and persistence and devoid of any aggression. Not the power of some vintages but elegant and pure in style. James Lowther MW