2013 Pape Clement
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Tasting notes
The 2013 Pape Clément has a perfectly capable nose, lifted brambly red fruit, touches of brown spice, sous-bois and perhaps more energy than some of its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with acceptable definition, clearly more fruit concentration with a tad more sweetness and grip on the finish. If I were buying a Pessac-Léognan from this maligned vintage, it might well be this. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year On tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
NHB. Straightforward crimson. Light nose. Pretty weak fruit on the palate. What a contrast to the heavy bottle! Really there's not much here. Expensive mouthwash? (JR)
The grilled oak feels a touch intrusive on the nose, although it is melted away on the palate, and the tannic frame is still lending form and grip. Gentle black fruits, edges of liqourice, this is enjoyabe but falls away on the finish. So hard to maintain momentum in this vintage. 60% new oak, harvest October 3 to 5.
About the producer
Among the oldest estates in Bordeaux, Ch. Pape Clément has been guided into the modern era by Bernard Magrez, who has managed the estate since 1985. It makes some of the best reds in the region.