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)"

96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Bottled in May and based on 55% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape was completely destemmed and brought up entirely in foudre. Its medium ruby hue is followed by a gorgeously complex nose of red and black fruits, Provençal spices, and roasted meats. It's medium to full-bodied, with a seamless, layered, ultra-classy style that will drink beautifully for 20-25 years. Drink 2025-2048. (11/11/25)"

96 points Wine Spectator: "[$175 list] This stunning red manages to walk the line between dense ripeness and finesse. Layers of complex fruit, salted and dried plum, and licorice lead, filled in with singed anise, briny olive and earth notes, with finessed tannins holding everything together. Offers ethereal beauty and is never heavy, with subtle oak sitting in the backdrop. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2043. (12/3/25)"

95 points Nicolas Greinacher (Vinous): "Cassis pastilles, licorice, ripe blackberry, herbal tones and peppery accents introduce the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which was bottled in May 2025. Gently wrapped around smooth tannins with less apparent structure than the preceding 2022 vintage, the 2023 is an open-knit, accessible but ageworthy red Clos des Papes, hitting the palate with boatloads of jammy strawberry flavors. Juicy and smooth, the 2023 is one of the sexiest Clos des Papes in recent history and totally worth the hunt. Drink: 2027-2045. (Oct 2025)"