2003 Pape Clement
By Chateau Pape Clement
2003 Pape Clement from Chateau Pape Clement, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
The 2003 vintage was one of extremes across the storied expanse of Bordeaux's vineyards; a season marked by an intense heatwave that necessitated adept vineyard stewardship to shepherd the grapes to their full potential. Amongst the venerable releases that emerged from this challenging year, the 2003 Pape Clement from Chateau Pape Clement stands as a paragon of resilience and adaptability.
A Vintage Touched by Vulcan's Hand
The scorching summer left its indelible touch on this wine, imparting a concentration of flavours seldom seen in the typically more restrained climes of Pessac-Leognan. The deft management of such sun-drenched grapes is evident in the deep ruby glow and intoxicating aromas - a mélange where ripe blackcurrants, cedar, and a whisper of spice box convene in aromatic harmony. It’s with great patience and foresight that the vignerons at Chateau Pape Clement coaxed such complexity from climatic adversity.
Intrinsic Value for the Discerning Investor
For fine wine investors navigating the intricate topographies of Bordeaux offerings, the 2003 Pape Clement from Chateau Pape Clement is a touchstone upon which to measure both investment robustness and oenophilic pleasure. The wine possesses an opulent palate structure, with velvety tannins cloaking layers of dark fruit, leather, and an ethereal trace of earthy truffles – a profile that promises continued evolution and heightened allure with cellar maturation.
Twenty years hence, this wine has boldly traversed its developmental arc, yet it remains assertive with promise—an asset worthy of any well-tempered investment portfolio. It speaks to those who seek to converge the aesthetics of fine wine with the acumen of investment.
Engaging with the 2003 Pape Clement from Chateau Pape Clement offers a taste of vinous history: a testament to the terroir's resilience and the winemaker's alchemy during that solar-kissed vintage. For those vested in both Bacchus' gifts and Mercury's ventures, this particular vintage exemplifies why Pessac-Leognan remains a pivotal chapter in the annals of collectable wines.
Current market price
£1,310.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
93.57
Scores and tasting notes
Named after the first French pope, this brilliant 75-acre estate located just south of the beltway surrounding the city of Bordeaux is planted with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Produced from yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare, the 2003 is evolved (part of its extraordinary appeal). Complex characteristics of smoke, meat, lead pencil shavings, sweet plums, black cherry liqueur, blackberries, and a hint of espresso are followed by an opulent, full-bodied wine with moderately high but silky tannin, a layered texture, and copious glycerin, which gives it a big, savory, expansive mouthfeel. The finish is long and persistent. This example appears to be on a fast evolutionary track, but it will probably never close down, and should last 15-20 years ... at the minimum.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #164
Loads of earthy and funky aromas here, with pepper, meat, and raisins. Full bodied, with big chewy tannins and chunky mouth feel. Needs time to soften. A little bit rustic, but I like it a lot. Pull the cork after 2012.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, March 14th 2011
Tasted at Bordeaux Index's '10-Year On' tasting in London. The Pape Clement '03 has a respectable bouquet that is fresher than I would have anticipated
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013