Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2023

Clos des Papes is one of the historic estates of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, run by the Avril family since the seventeenth century and today by Vincent Avril, who works 32 hectares across 24 plots in a style known for delicacy and balance. This is a Grenache-led blend with Mourvèdre, Syrah and other permitted varieties, the vineyards spread over the appellation's varied soils of galets roulés, sand and clay. The large rounded stones absorb heat by day and radiate it overnight, ripening Grenache fully, while drawing across multiple plots brings freshness and complexity to the final blend. The wine is aged for 18 months in foudres, large old oak casks whose low surface-to-volume ratio means gentle, slow oxygen exchange that softens the tannins and builds savoury depth without imparting oak flavour. The colour is deep ruby. The nose is layered, with ripe red and black fruit over garrigue herbs, cracked pepper, liquorice and a leather note. The palate is full bodied yet poised, the tannins ripe and fine and the acidity keeping it fresh through a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant ahead, or cellar it for years. It suits roasts, game and herb-led dishes.