Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape 2005

This 32-hectare vineyard run by the Avril family produces some of the best Chateauneuf du Pape and their quality continues to improve. Only one cuvée or blend is made and the yield is only about 25hl/ha.

65% Grenache, 20% Mouvèdre, 10% Syrah, 5% other.

The Wine Spectator rates this wine 98 pts.

“In the Southern Rhône’s recent trio of great vintages starting with 2003, no other Chateauneuf-du-Pape domaine has produced better wines than Clos des Papes. Under Vincent Avril, quality has improved steadily, and the 2003 (97 points) was Wine Spectator’s No 2 wine in 2005. At 98 points, the 2005 is Avril’s best wine yet, displaying an enormous core of fruit and minerality along with massive structure. Avril keeps yields low, picks vineyard blocks separately for ideal ripeness and vinifies the destemmed grapes in ceramic-lined vats. The wine is aged in large wooden foudres for up to 12 months before the final blend is assembled.”

To drink 2010-2015.