Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019

99 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Deep ruby garnet, violet reflections, subtle ochre rim. Delicate aromas of fresh, ripe heart cherries, nuances of plums, delicate nougat caramel, inviting bouquet. Juicy, elegant, good freshness, fine fruit sweetness, ripe, integrated tannins, chocolaty touch on the finish, lingers for a long time, at the beginning of a brilliant career. (4/11/22)"

98 points Matt Walls (Decanter): "Bright and floral on the nose. The tannins are extremely fine, almost imperceptible, but very much present, giving the wine a strong base for long ageing. It's perfectly balanced, long and deep, resulting in a rich but surprisingly classic vintage of Clos des Papes considering the extreme conditions this year. Rich but bright, very complete and pure with no excesses. Vines are typically 30 to 40 years old, spread across 24 parcels. Matured for 12 months in foudres of at least four years of age. Drinking Window: 2029-2045. (Oct 2020)"

98 points/'#6 Top Wine of 2021,' Jeb Dunnuck: "Tasted out of bottle, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a stunning example of this estate as well as the vintage. Gorgeous kirsch, flowery incense, spice box, and garrigue-like notes define the nose, and it hits the palate with classic Clos des Papes elegance and finesse backed up by a great mid-palate, fabulous concentration, and a monster of a finish. Don’t miss this beauty. It can be enjoyed today with incredible pleasure or cellared for two decades. (11/3/21)"

98 points/'Le Coup de Coeur,' La Revue du Vin de France: "The 2019 red is certainly one of the finest in this vintage for the appellation. The wine displays a rare grace and finesse in a sunny, high-degree year, and we can only praise the management of the texture and its overall harmony. (2022)"

97 points Wine Spectator: "This is a stunner, offering a gorgeous core of black tea–infused cassis, plum reduction and raspberry puree flavors. Additional black licorice, black tea and incense notes emerge alongside the fruit on the long, lush, seductive finish, which is harnessed by a graphite frame. A very confidently rendered wine. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. Best from 2024 through 2040. (12/31/21)"

96 points Nicolas Greinacher (Vinous): "One of the wines of the vintage, Avril's 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape turned out beautifully. It wafts from the glass with pronounced aromas of predominantly red fruits, black cherry, garrigue, white pepper and crushed rocks, giving it a ferrous-like twist. On the palate, it is full-bodied, rich, built like a brick wall and possesses staggering intensity, concluding with a powerful finish. Drink: 2027-2047. (Jun 2023)"

18.5/20 points Alistair Cooper, MW (JancisRobinson.com): "Cask samples tasted at the domaine. Foudre sample 1: 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre. Nose is crackling with energy. A yeasty dark-fruit core with strawberry, liquorice and mouth-watering freshness. There is minerality here alongside an elegant and beautifully rounded palate. Foudre sample 2: 55% Mourvèdre, 40% Grenache, 5% other varieties. A spice-led nose, with a hint of reduction. Beautiful purity and vibrancy with a fine peppery streak – so much energy and refined tannins. This is already absolutely delicious. Foudre sample 3: Dark chocolate and forest fruits on the nose. Marked firm and fine tannins – this shows real richness and weight as well as beautiful spice. Drinking Window: 2025-2040. (10/5/20)"