Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2023

99+ points Yohan Castaing (Wine Advocate): "The 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape from Clos des Papes is exquisite, wafting from the glass with a captivating bouquet of sweet red berries, iris, dark cherries, menthol, blood orange and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, layered and textured, it’s denser than usual, with a more pronounced structure and a lovely, fleshy core of fruit. Concluding with an ethereal, saline and weightless finish, this is a strong candidate for wine of the vintage—one that should evolve with grace over the coming years to attain a likely perfect score. Drink: 2025-2050. (Oct 2025)"

98 points/'Le Coup de Coeur,' La Revue du Vin de France: "The 2023 red balances ripe black fruit and licorice. It stands out with its superb balance and the richness of fruit that is both refined and sensual, supported by very smooth tannins. A masterful wine. (2026)"

98 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide: "A benchmark in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Clos des Papes, despite its name, is based on 24 plots spread across the appellation's terroirs, including seven iconic hectares on the Crau plateau. For twenty years, its consistency has commanded respect. Faithful to a classic vision, the Avril family, now represented by Vincent, rejects single-vineyard cuvées in favor of a single wine, blended from all terroirs and grape varieties. The result is a cuvée of rare fullness, depth, and balance. (2026)"

97 points Matt Walls (Decanter): "Deeply coloured and quite dark in character, with damson and liquorice notes. It’s generous, full-bodied, quite spicy and fairly potent, with lovely bright, sappy acidity and very fine, soft tannins. There are some similarities with 2022 and 2020, though it’s not as punchy as 2022 nor quite as energetic as 2020. This should be very good, and will drink before both of these recent vintages. All destemmed, aged in old foudres. The estate had a good yield this year, at 25hl/ha. Drinking Window: 2031-2039. (Oct 2024)"

95-97 points Jeb Dunnuck: "A beautiful looking barrel sample, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape is deep purple-hued with a classic 2023 profile of darker berry fruits, peppery garrigue, and spices. It's concentrated, medium to full-bodied, has a pure, layered, seamless profile, ripe tannins, and a great finish. (10/29/24)"

94-96 points Nicolas Greinacher (Vinous): "Checking in at 15.7% alcohol, the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is totally sexy. Ripe lack fruits, cassis pastilles, licorice, garrigue and herbal elements are all pushed forward. Framed by smooth tannins, the full-bodied 2023 jumps at you right away. It mesmerizes with gorgeous purity of fruit, lifting freshness and ample resilience on the focused finale. I can’t wait to taste it from bottle. (Nov 2024)"