2019 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape

Totally opaque black dark red in colour with a deep dark red hue. Heady dark raspberry, black cherry and liquorice aromas are intermeshed with new leather, scorched earth, herbs du Provence and peppered dried meat notes. Rich black raspberry, liquorice, cassis and black cherry fruits show remarkable freshness and poise despite the hefty 15.5% alcohol. Possessing tremendous concentration and depth, its still incredibly youthful with the back half picking up accents of Provincial herbs, a subtle meaty character, earthy new leather and pepper. Strapping tannins and bright acidity provide plenty of structure and definition. Finishes long, rich, vibrant and muscular.
Cellar 10-15 years.
Alc. 15.5%

Other Reviews....
Coming in at 16% alcohol (like the 2016), the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape from Clos des Papes carries it comfortably, showing no sign of overt heat or overripeness. Hints of leather and crushed stone appear on the nose, adding a pleasant nuance to the somewhat monolithic black-cherry fruit. It shows less nuance and complexity than the 2020 at this stage but shows plenty of promise, as its concentration is matched by freshness and a long, reasonably elegant, finish. This will likely need some time to come around. Drink 2025 - 2040.
97+ points
Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (May 2022)

Tasted out of bottle, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a stunning example of this estate as well as the vintage. Gorgeous kirsch, flowery incense, spice box, and garrigue-like notes define the nose, and it hits the palate with classic Clos des Papes elegance and finesse backed up by a great mid-palate, fabulous concentration, and a monster of a finish. Don’t miss this beauty. It can be enjoyed today with incredible pleasure or cellared for two decades. Drink 2021 - 2041.
98 points
Jeb Dunnuck

This is a stunner, offering a gorgeous core of black tea–infused cassis, plum reduction and raspberry puree flavors. Additional black licorice, black tea and incense notes emerge alongside the fruit on the long, lush, seductive finish, which is harnessed by a graphite frame. A very confidently rendered wine. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. Best from 2024 through 2040.
97 points
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

Bright and floral on the nose. The tannins are extremely fine, almost imperceptible, but very much present, giving the wine a strong base for long ageing. It's perfectly balanced, long and deep, resulting in a rich but surprisingly classic vintage of Clos des Papes considering the extreme conditions this year. Rich but bright, very complete and pure with no excesses. Vines are typically 30 to 40 years old, spread across 24 parcels. Matured for 12 months in foudres of at least four years of age. Drinking Window 2029 - 2045.
98 points
Matt Walls - Decanter