The master of the mixed vineyard
'Un très grand millésime'. Vincent Avril is pretty unequivocal; he is convinced 2019 Clos des Papes is his best vintage since the great 2010. To be sure, it was a hard vintage to farm, and Vincent is a fastidious, exacting farmer at the best of times. The mistral was wilder than ever, impeding pruning and vineyard work, and there were some heat spikes in the summer. Vincent took it all in his stride, with commanding results.
To work at Clos des Papes, one must be a master of the mixed vineyard; the 35 hectares of the estate span gravel, limestone, clay and sand, and every one of the traditionally permitted varieties in the blend. Many would say that it is this diversity that brings such complexity to the wine. There is no question that the estate occupies exceptional terroir, as it proves vintage after vintage.
2019 Clos des Papes is exquisitely balanced: powerful, certainly, but with a finesse and silkiness that showcases Vincent's Burgundian training. The quality of the fruit profile is exceptional; there is more depth, more concentration and a richer texture to the wine than any recent vintage. It's a beauty. /NT
Offered subject to confirmation; for shipment Winter 2021
