2013 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape

“More Mourvèdre than usual this year, and tiny yields of just 13hl/ha. Pretty red fruits, damson, wild strawberry and raspberry on the nose. Violet top notes and a distinctly spicy side. Medium to full-bodied, with some darker fruit and firm tannins that ride in on the long, juicy finish – dry but not drying. (JLL)” (09/2016)

“Very juicy and lively in feel, with pepper, tobacco and bay leaf notes leading the way for a core of raspberry, bitter plum and red currant coulis flavors. The long finish lets the pepper and tobacco notes play out, with pleasant acidity embedded throughout. Very Provençal in feel. (JM)” (11/2015)

“Brilliant ruby. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, incense, garrigue and smoky minerals convey a sexy Asian spice nuance in the background. Supple, seamless and alluringly sweet, offering intense black raspberry and floral pastille flavors that stain the palate. Smooth, seamless and concentrated but energetic as well, with velvety, slow-building tannins giving shape to a very long, spice- and mineral-accented finish. (JR)” (04/2016)

“From a difficult vintage, the 2013 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is nevertheless upfront and charming, with a cool climate-like feel in its kirsch and darker berry fruits, spice, pepper, and mineral aromas and flavors. It opens up beautifully with time in the glass, is medium-bodied and elegant, and has plenty to love. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.” (08/2018)

“Tasted out of bottle, the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape comes from miniscule yields of 13 hectoliter per hectare (25-39 hectoliters per hectare is normal for the appellation), and hits 14.8% natural alcohol. It has a darker, slightly more concentrated, austere feel than the 2014, and has ample kirsch, blackberry, peppery and crushed rock-like aromas and flavors. Vincent commented that he thinks this vintage will shut down after a few years in bottle, so if you’re going try one in its youth, find the corkscrew. While obviously not a great wine, it’s certainly outstanding and has considerable charm and elegance. It will also have 10-15 years of overall longevity. (JD)” (10/2015)

“Transparent ruby. Closing up and a tad severe on the nose – even a little agricultural. Tannins in evidence and without much fruit in evidence at the moment. Wait! 17++/20 points. (JR)” (10/2016)