A magnificent large-format expression of one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s benchmark wines, combining extraordinary concentration with elegance, freshness and exceptional aging potential.
The 2023 Clos des Papes Rouge delivers layers of black cherry, cassis and blackberry alongside violet, dried flowers, licorice, Provençal herbs and exotic spice.
In Magnum, the wine promises an even slower, more graceful evolution, making it an outstanding bottle for the cellar, an important dinner, or a special celebration.
Region: Southern Rhône Valley, France
Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Vintage: 2023
Producer: Clos des Papes – Paul-Vincent Avril
Format: Magnum – 1.5L
Principal Grapes: Grenache, Mourvèdre & Syrah, complemented by traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape varieties
Alcohol: Approximately 15–15.5% ABV
Aging: Approximately 12–15 months in large old oak foudres
Style: Full-Bodied Dry Red Wine
Clos des Papes follows a traditional philosophy, bringing together fruit from numerous vineyard parcels and grape varieties to create one principal red Châteauneuf-du-Pape rather than producing separate prestige cuvées.
Aging in large old foudres rather than new oak preserves the purity of the fruit and allows the character of the vineyards to remain at the forefront.
Nose:
Deep and beautifully complex, with black cherry, cassis, blackberry and ripe plum layered with violet, dried flowers, licorice and Mediterranean herbs. With air, pepper, exotic spice and subtle earthy notes begin to emerge.
Palate:
Powerful and concentrated yet remarkably elegant. Dark fruit fills the palate, complemented by spice, garrigue and licorice, while excellent freshness keeps the wine energetic and beautifully balanced.
Structure:
Full-bodied and concentrated with wonderfully refined, silky tannins. Despite the wine’s considerable intensity, it never feels heavy. Freshness and structure provide precision and tremendous potential for development.
Finish:
Exceptionally long and persistent, with black fruit, spice, licorice, and Provençal herbs gradually giving way to a mineral and subtly saline finish.
Clos des Papes is one of the historic benchmark estates of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, today under the direction of Paul-Vincent Avril.
Grenache forms the heart of the red wine, supported by significant Mourvèdre and Syrah alongside smaller quantities of traditional Châteauneuf varieties.
The wine matures in large old foudres without new oak, allowing the extraordinary fruit, spice, and character of the vineyards to remain the focus.
The 2023 vintage is particularly compelling, combining deep fruit concentration with beautifully mature tannins and impressive freshness.
Presented in Magnum, this becomes an especially desirable cellar bottle. The larger format allows the wine to mature more slowly, preserving youthful fruit and freshness while gradually developing the extraordinary secondary and tertiary complexity for which mature Clos des Papes is renowned.
The 2023 vintage delivers a beautifully balanced combination of concentration, structure and elegance.
Black cherry, cassis, blackberry and plum dominate the youthful profile, accompanied by floral notes, licorice, Mediterranean herbs and spice.
The tannins are remarkably polished for such a young wine, while excellent natural freshness provides balance and length.
This combination of ripe fruit, structure and freshness makes 2023 particularly compelling for long-term aging—and the 1.5L Magnum format should enhance that potential even further.
2029 – 2055+
While the wine can certainly be enjoyed earlier for its extraordinary fruit and intensity, this Magnum deserves patience.
During its first decade, expect a powerful expression of black cherry, cassis, blackberry, violet, licorice and garrigue.
With extended bottle age, these primary characteristics should gradually evolve toward dried cherry, fig, leather, tobacco, black olive, truffle, dried Provençal herbs and exotic spice.
For drinking young, allow approximately 2–3 hours in a decanter.
As the Magnum matures, gentler aeration will be preferable.
Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
A 1.5L Magnum contains the equivalent of two standard bottles, but the relationship between wine and oxygen inside the bottle allows the wine to develop more gradually.
For a wine with the concentration and longevity of Clos des Papes, this makes Magnum particularly attractive for long-term cellaring.
The slower evolution can preserve freshness and fruit for longer while allowing the wine’s tannins, savory complexity and secondary aromas to develop progressively over decades.
It is both a serious collector’s format and an impressive centerpiece for the table.
The power and savory complexity of Clos des Papes make it exceptional with substantial meat dishes.
Excellent with:
Roast Leg of Lamb · Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder · Côte de Boeuf · Beef Tenderloin · Braised Short Rib · Duck · Venison · Wild Boar · Porcini Mushrooms · Black Truffle · Aged Comté
For a Magnum of this caliber, make the bottle part of the occasion.
Serve alongside slow-roasted leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic or Côte de Boeuf with a rich jus. The wine’s dark fruit and Grenache-driven generosity complement the richness of the meat, while its Mourvèdre character, herbs, and spice echo the savory elements of the dish.
For an older Magnum, move toward braised beef, porcini mushrooms or black truffle, allowing the developing earthy and savory characteristics of the wine to take center stage.
Above all, this is a wine to open around a table and follow throughout an entire dinner. Its evolution in the glass is as much a part of the experience as the wine itself.
