Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021

98 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide (2024).

96 points Wine Spectator: "[$120 list] Elegant and approachable, this stunning red offers seductive aromatics of smoked incense and red tea, with floral high notes, followed by a well of cassis, licorice and red currant flavors coated in graphite. Dusty in feel, with fine-grained tannins bringing structure and textural complexity, while an iron element lingers on the very long finish. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2035. (11/8/23)"

95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "One of the standouts in the vintage is the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape, a ripe, round, medium to full-bodied 2021 offering a beautiful array of black cherry and darker berry fruits, ample Provençal spice, and dried flower nuances. Wonderfully textured and balanced, with ripe tannins, as usual, Vincent has made one of the wines of the vintage. This will evolve gracefully for 15+ years. Drink: 2023-2039. (10/30/23)"

95 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "Cherries, raspberries and truffles appear on the nose of the 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape, which weighs in at 15.1% alcohol. Showing ample concentration and length, this medium to full-bodied effort isn't quite as well endowed as the 2022, but it's still a gorgeous wine, framed by silky tannins and finishing with bright, pomegranate-like fruit. Drink: 2023-2035. (9/29/23)"

95 points Matt Walls (Decanter): "Defined raspberry and redcurrant fruits, some woody spices in the background. Quite a rounded, fluid style, the acidity is really quite marked this year. Tannins are gentle, and it finishes on raspberry and redcurrant coulis. There's a silky touch on the palate. It's built around the acidity, the tannins are just gently sandy. Good sense of purity, quite a Burgundian vintage. Less Grenache in the blend this year as it was particularly hit by the frost. Drinking Window: 2025-2038. (Oct 2022)"

95 points La Revue du Vin de France: "But we can only recommend the 2021 Rouge, with its juicy fruit and youthful, civilized character. Nothing overtakes, the wine is delivered on its primary fruit but very food-friendly. On the palate, it's just right, with a power that's logically controlled. Velvety tannins line the rich mid-palate. Its freshness and sapid structure make this a gastronomic wine that will enable you to wait patiently for the more powerful 2019s and 2020s. (2024)"

94 points Nicolas Greinacher (Vinous): "The 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is made with slightly more Grenache and less Syrah than previous vintages. Intermixing aromas of red and black fruits, dried herbs, white pepper and crushed rocks, this 2021 shows slightly less intensity than either the 2020 or 2019. Full-bodied, elegant and framed by smooth tannins, it is well-balanced by fresh acidity and closes with a savory finish. Drink: 2026-2046. (Jun 2023)"

94 points James Suckling: "A perfumed nose of cherries, dark berries, baking spices, violets, licorice and some incense as well. It's medium-bodied with finely grained tannins. It's well-balanced with finesse and harmony. Crunchy and fresh with a velvety texture and great drinkability. Juicy, precise finish with excellent length. Drink or hold. (5/22/23)"