Chateau Pape Clement Red 2022

Product info about Chateau Pape Clement Red 2022

Château Pape Clément Rouge 2022 is the grand vin red of Château Pape Clément in Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux. Few wines carry this kind of historical weight: the estate links its origins to Bertrand de Goth, later Pope Clement V, and refers to winegrowing on the same site since 1252. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this bottle as more than a respected Bordeaux name; it is a meeting point between a long-established estate, careful vineyard work and a powerful 2022 vintage.

The blend for 2022 is 60% merlot and 40% cabernet sauvignon. On the estate, merlot is mainly planted on the more clay-rich eastern soils, while cabernet sauvignon is found on the gravelly western side. That gives the wine its combination of ripe dark fruit and firm structure. The warm, dry conditions of the year help explain the concentration noted in tasting reports, while freshness and tension remain part of the wine's identity.

The production is meticulous. Grapes were harvested by hand parcel by parcel, selected first in the vineyard and then sorted berry by berry. They were moved by gravity into oak vats, followed by cold pre-fermentation maceration and around 30 days of maceration. Ageing was planned for about 18 months, largely in French oak, with new barrels, one-wine barrels and a share of foudres.

This is a red Bordeaux with clear ageing potential. When opened young, it benefits from air or decanting so that the wine can unfold. It has the depth and structure to sit comfortably alongside roasted, grilled or slow-cooked dishes, especially beef, lamb, duck or game. With only the last bottles remaining, the 2022 vintage has particular interest for anyone looking for a serious Pessac-Léognan from a highly regarded year.

The aromatic profile is concentrated and dark, with cassis, black cherry, blackberry, blueberry and plum, lifted by raspberry, violet and rose petal. Beneath the fruit come deeper notes of graphite, liquorice, pepper, tobacco, cacao, chocolate, cedar, toast, coffee and a light smoky nuance.

On the palate it is medium to full-bodied, with ripe fruit, fresh tension and firm yet fine tannins. The texture can feel creamy and silky, while the structure remains clearly present. The finish is long, carrying fruit, spice, mineral and slightly saline notes.