Paul Avril Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1997 750ml

Wine Advocate #121, Feb 28, 1999 by Robert Parker Jr
The 1997 Chateauneuf du Pape may be a touch light and short in the finish. The wine's deep ruby color is followed by aromas of cherry jam, intermixed with pepper, pine, and earth. In the mouth, cassis/blackberry fruit (no doubt from the Mourvedre and Syrah components) makes an appearance. This soft, low acid, medium-bodied, seductive offering should drink well for 5-8 years. Paul Avril, one of the stars of this appellation, has performed well in this light-styled vintage. The wine is a sexy example with significant density and richness.

Chateauneuf du Pape (CNDP) is the Southern Rhone’s most heralded appellation and is named after the town’s 14th century papal palace (once a summer retreat for the Avignon popes). The Clos Des Papes estate, not far from the palace ruins, produces one of the appellation’s most revered reds and is considered the benchmark wine for CNDP quality. It is famed for its complexity, a characteristic credited to the 25 individual parcels of land spread across the appellation – with a variety of soils and altitudes – that are home to its vines.

The domaine, which originally formed part of the papal vineyards, first started bottling its wine as Clos des Papes in 1896 under the auspices of Paul Avril, whose family had been producing wine in the region since the 17th century. Paul was succeeded by his son Regis Avril and his grandson Paul Avril, who ran the winery from 1963 to 1987 and played an integral role in the formation of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. Having contributed greatly to the reputation and success of Rhone wines, Paul Avril passed away in 2009 at the age of 72.

The current manager of Clos des Papes is Paul Avril’s son, Paul-Vincent, who according to Jane Anson has “built on his father's legacy to turn the estate from a local legend to a global star."

Meats, Lamb