2007 Pape Clement
By Chateau Pape Clement
2007 Pape Clement from Chateau Pape Clement, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
In the pantheon of Bordeaux's venerable estates, the illustrious Chateau Pape Clement holds a revered place, particularly when discussing the standout 2007 Pape Clement. The virtuosity of this vintage lies in its dignified defiance against a challenging climatic year, where precision and skill were paramount to achieving such exquisite expression.
An Illumination in a Difficult Year
The year 2007 did not promise an easy journey for Bordeaux winegrowers. A mild winter was followed by a frosty spring and an irregular summer, testing the mettle of Pessac-Leognan's vineyards. Yet it was within these trials that 2007 Pape Clement found its rhythm, embodying a triumphant spirit that radiates through its well-structured tannins and vibrant acidity. The nuance present in this wine is a testament to the artistry at Chateau Pape Clement, where tumultuous conditions were not only navigated but harnessed.
Undulating Complexity of Aged Elegance
Now, with age on its side, the 2007 Pape Clement is caressed into a splendid phase of drinking, revealing layers that are both poised and profound. On the nose, there is an elegant dance of dark fruits laced with hints of truffle and tobacco. The palate is an intricately woven tapestry where mature fruit notes intertwine gracefully with earthy undertones alongside secondary nuances of leather and sweet spices that speak to those seeking depth in their claret. This complexity contributes to its allure as a mature Bordeaux investment opportunity.
For fine wine collectors and investors alike, understanding the subtle oscillations between vintages is critical. The 2007 Pape Clement stands as an adept performer on the world stage of fine wines precisely because it translates the story of its birth year so poignantly into every sip—the mark of truly investable viniculture.
In conclusion, while the vintage may have seen vignerons face daunting skies, their resilient efforts yielded a refined treasure. Herein lies the majesty of the 2007 Pape Clement from Chateau Pape Clement: a harmonious blend of adversity and expertise distilled into liquid luxury that stands with dignity among its peers.
Market price (HKD)
HK$7,620.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
66.67
Scores and tasting notes
One of the stars of the vintage, this blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot reveals sweet burning ember, charcoal, barbecue smoke, black currant, plum, and graphite notes. This opulent, impressively endowed, medium to full-bodied 2007 possesses sweet tannin and a long finish. It can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15 years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #188
Tasted blind at the 2007 Bordeaux horizontal in Southwold. The Pape-Clement 2007 has very fine clarity on the nose with blackberry, raspberry, a touch of cedar and earth. Nice definition and lift. The palate is medium-bodied, a saline tang on the entry, grippy tannins with a masculine grippy, dry finish. This needs time, very backward and a little grouchy at the moment. Tasted January 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Nov 2011