2022 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape

One of the most consistent and highly regarded domaines of the appellation, Clos des Papes produces a single Chateauneuf cuvee each year from a wide spread of parcels across the region. This diversity of terroir underpins a style that is balanced, ageworthy, and often considered the reference point for Chateauneuf-du-Pape as a whole.

Other Reviews....
Despite a hailstorm that destroyed approximately one-third of the crop this year, Paul-Vincent Avril managed to produce a wine with the same grape proportions as in previous years, thanks to his vineyard's diverse and fragmented nature. So, the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape from Clos des Papes reveals a delicate, aromatic bouquet of peony, gooseberry, lilac, flowers and cherries mingled with delicate notes of fennel and menthol. Medium to full-bodied, sappy and layered, it's perfectly textured with velvety, delicate tannins enhanced by bright acids and a long, ethereal finish. Although the Mourvèdre is slightly dominant at this stage, this wine is unquestionably poised for great aging potential. Drink 2025-2045.
97 points
Yohan Castaing - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The alluring 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape won me over in a heartbeat. Vivid licorice, sage, blueberry, lavender, red and black cherry as well as crushed flowers hail from the glass. Full-bodied and intense, the 2022 packs ample flavor concentration yet always maintains balance through lifting freshness. Polished tannins neatly structure this ambitious 2022 that has the potential to age gracefully for at least two decades. Drink 2032-2050.
96+ points
Nicolas Greinacher - Vinous

A silky, textural and harmonious red with notes of dark cherries, fresh blackberries, dried thyme, currants and some mild spices. It's medium-bodied with finely grained tannins. Elegant and graceful, silky and bright. Fresh center palate with plenty of vitality and a caressing texture. Precise and harmonious with a pure expression of fruit at the center and a vibrant, spicy finish. Drink or hold.
96 points
James Suckling

The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape is showing beautifully, with the sun-kissed style of the vintage yet more depth and density than most in the vintage. Blackberries, Provençal garrigue, spice, and saddle leather all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with the classic elegance of the estate in its medium to full-bodied, layered, multi-dimensional style. It's one of the wines of the vintage and will have two decades of longevity. Drink 2024-2044.
98 points
Jeb Dunnuck

A touch less Mourvèdre this year, but not enough to change the profile of the wine, which is fairly classic albeit pretty bombastic in 2022. Raspberry and black cherry, ripe and exuberant. Full but not massive, the alcohol is present, slightly warming the finish. Tannins are a little grainy, so I would give this time to settle before broaching. Succulent and juicy, with a touch of liquorice. Vincent Avril believes the wine could close down quite early on. So drink young, or (even better) wait until 2030. All destemmed, aged in old foudres. Drink 2030-2042.
96 points
Matt Walls - Decanter

A richly styled, opulent Châteauneuf that offers a streamlined cascade of ripe cherry, licorice root and toasted chestnut. Mineral energy keeps this powering long distance, with a smoldering foundation of iron. Starts off silky in feel, with a caressing texture quickly firmed up by fine tannins that hold real power. Hints of wet soil and baking spices detail the long, winding finish. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2026 through 2042.
96 points
Kristen Bieler - Wine Spectator