Paul Avril Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France 2020 1.5L

Paul Avril Clos des Papes is a wine producer in the Rhône Valley, making one of the most sought-after wines in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC.

The estate is made up of 24 small plots throughout the appellation totaling 79 acres. All of the 13 permitted grape varieties are grown in these vineyards, although Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah are the most important in terms of production. Picking is spread out to ensure maximum quality, and green harvests and strict berry selection ensures a low yield. Clos des Papes takes its name from one of its plots located near the ruins of the 14th Century Papal castle. 

"The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape showed brilliantly and is certainly one of the stars in the vintage. Based on 55% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, and the rest Syrah and other permitted varieties, it shines for its elegance and purity, offering a wonderful core of red and black fruits, medium to full body, silky, incredibly polished tannins, flawless balance, and already complex notes of flowers, sappy garrigue, Provençal spice. It has the estate's incredible ability to bring wonderful intensity and richness while staying graceful and seamless. It reminds me slightly of the 2012, possibly the 2006, and while it already offers pleasure, it will evolve for 20+ years in cold cellars." Jeb Dunnuck 96