2016 Pape Clément, Pessac-Léognan (375ml)

“Stunning concentration of perfectly ripe blackcurrants here with a delicate whiff of vanilla oak and extremely fine tannins that are almost perfectly integrated on the seductive and delicate palate, right through the almost literally breathtaking, super-long and very polished finish.” (01/2019)

“The blend of the grand vin has changed since the primeurs, and is apparently 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. The élevage involved mostly oak barrels, 50% new, the rest second-fill barrels, although a small percentage was aged in terracotta jarres, a practice which extends across all the Magrez domaines. The wines rested here for 18 months. After rejecting a lightly corked sample, a fresh bottle revealed a sweetly perfumed nose, with very concentrated dark fruits, showing a grilled intensity, laced with a chalk-dust perfume. This bottle may be at a disadvantage, the cork having been pulled immediately before my tasting (the other Magrez wines were opened an hour before I arrived) but it seems to be singing well. The palate is undeniable in its intent, with dark and brooding confit fruits, currant, black bean, charcoal, black olive and a touch of balsamic intensity, swirled with tightly grained tannins, toasted but relatively reserved oak, and fresh acid seams. This is really good, very promising, yes it is imposing, with a long finish, tightly grained and charged with tannin, but I like the little touch of mineral energy that courses within. An impressive showing.” (12/2018)

“Tasted on two separate occasions, the 2016 Château Pape Clément never failed to impress, offering a huge, powerful, full-bodied personality as well as beautiful notes of cassis, graphite, high-class cigar tobacco, asphalt, and graphite. About as sexy as it gets in the vintage, with silky tannins and loads of fruit, it’s perfectly balanced and has a great finish. The 2016 is a blend of 60% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, all raised in 60% new barrels.” (02/2019)

“The 60ha of vineyards are situated on an ancient alluvial terrace topped by a thin layer of more recent Garonne gravel. The winery’s 28 wooden fermentation vats correspond to individual parcels, and the grand vin red (in 2016, equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) is aged for 18 months in 70% new oak barrels. Andy Howard MW: Intriguing wine with an extra layer of aromatics. Floral, leafy, a touch herbal. Great purity allied with fresh acidity and integrated oak. A very fine Pessac. Robert Mathias: A brooding nose, coffee, cedar and dried tobacco. Broad structure with black cherry fruit. Tannins very fine, some warmth on the finish. Tim Triptree MW: Hedonistic aromatics of ripe black cherry, plum and blackberry, complex notes of smoke and cedar, leather, dried meats, tobacco and cinnamon spice. Opulent, ripe, great balance and length. Harmonious, ageworthy Pessac. (Panel Tasting)” (02/2022)

“Rich and confident, satin tannins that cradle the fruit, on the gourmet side filled with liquorice, black chocolate and espresso, great stuff, with poise and concentration. Tasted within the same week from a bottle that I have at home, as not at this tasting. Michel Rolland consultant.” (01/2026)

“Blended of 60% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Pape Clement has a deep garnet-purple color and quite a serious, earthy nose with truffles, tilled soil, underbrush and smoked meats over a cassis, baked plums and redcurrants core plus a touch of lavender. Medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy, the palate is built like a brick house, supporting muscular black fruit and earthy notions and finishing very long and mineral laced. (LPB)” (11/2018)

“This takes a slightly different tack than many of its Pessac colleagues, relying less on bramble and tar and more on alluring toast, with mocha, anise, wood spice and black tea notes draped liberally over the core of sappy kirsch and cherry preserve flavors. Plush and suave through the finish, though this needs a bit of time for the wood elements to be fully integrated with the fruit. For fans of the flashier, cashmere-textured style. (JM)” (03/2019)

“This rich, warm wine offers tannins cushioned within layers of black fruits. It is dense with structure and fruit while also having the freshness and acidity typical of this vintage. The wine will age for several years, becoming richer and more opulent. *Cellar Selection* (RV)” (05/2019)

“The 2016 Pape Clément has a very refined bouquet, ample blackberry and raspberry fruit, potpourri and black olive scents emerging with time. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied, with sapid black fruit, gentle grip, a keen line of acidity and a pleasing underlying briny edge. Unmistakably Pessac-Léognan, this oozes typicité. (NM) 93+” (02/2026)