【The first Châteauneuf-du-Pape winery to bottle its own wines】

【Named one of the world's 155 greatest wineries by Robert Parker】

【Over 200 years of history, beloved by former French President Charles de Gaulle, designated as his personal wine】

【Robert Parker 97】【Jeb Dunnuck 97】

【Vinous 94】【Vivino 4.3】

ZTF507L Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge 2003
Special Price: $950/btl

Region： France/Southern Rhone/Chateauneuf du Pape

Grapes： 65% Grenache , 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 5% Vaccarese, Counoise, Muscardin 

Alcohol： 14%

Volume：750ml

【Robert Parker 97】

The 2003 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape (the # 2 wine in the Wine Spectator’s annual winefest) has long been one of the most profound wines of the vintage. It somehow manages to offer the vintage’s character in power, high glycerin, and huge volume, but retains remarkable elegance and finesse that is so much in keeping with the style of Clos des Papes. The wine has a dense ruby/purple-tinged color and a wonderfully sweet nose of framboise, blackberry, and kirsch liqueur intermixed with Chinese black tea and licorice. The wine is full-bodied and voluptuous, but once past all the glycerin and beautiful, dense fruit of this full-bodied wine, there is striking purity, elegance, finesse, and surprising freshness.

【Jeb Dunnuck 97】

While I've always loved the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape, it was extremely controversial in its youth due to its exuberance and ripeness. Yet today, with the wine at maturity, all of that controversy has been put to bed and I know of no one contesting the beauty of this wine - the 2007 vintage in Chateauneuf du Pape will be the same. Looking at the 2003 vintage, Paul-Vincent told me that they started harvest on September 5, but quickly had to stop due to rain on the September 7. They waited for the vineyards to dry out and the last plots weren't brought in until October 4! As to the wine, this beautiful 2003 offers a kaleidoscope of kirsch liqueur, Asian spices, ground herbs, blackberries and incense. Full-bodied, textured, ripe and plush, Avril commented that this would evolve similar to the '89, but I certainly see no need to delay gratification here and would drink up while the getting's good!

【Vinous 94】

Deep red color. Positively explosive aromas of fresh cherry, redcurrant, blackberry and candied licorice ("the most kirsch I've ever found in a wine," says Avril). Huge and mouthfilling, with serious weight but also excellent purity to the lush, powerful fruit. Deeply pitched dark chocolate and espresso add even more heft to the flavors, and roasted herbs contribute lift. For all of these elements, the wine is elegant, finishing with outstanding energy and focus.

Clos des Papes, located in the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation in France's Southern Rhone, was founded in 1756. Wine production did not begin until the late 18th century, and the estate was named Clos des Papes in 1802. The winery's vineyards are planted with 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, and 5% other varieties. While not particularly well-known in Hong Kong (due to limited production and minimal distribution), its reputation is international, making it a sought-after wine among connoisseurs. In 2007, it was ranked number one in the top 100 wines of the United States by the prestigious American wine magazine Wine Spectator.

The original owner, Paul Avril, made a significant contribution to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation throughout his life. He inherited the family estate in 1963. At the time, all wines in the appellation were not bottled by the winery itself. Paul Avril was the first to promote in-house bottling within the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, a bold move at the time. He worked at the estate from 1963 to 1987, during which time his 1978 Clos des Papes received the highest rating ever, 99 points. After his death from cancer in 2009 at the age of 72, his son, Paul-Vincent, took over the management of Clos des Papes.