Chateau Pape Clement   Pape Clement

2002 Pape Clement

By Chateau Pape Clement

2002 Pape Clement from Chateau Pape Clement, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux

Turning our palates to the distinguished offerings of Bordeaux, we traverse to the gravelled terroirs of Pessac-Leognan, where Chateau Pape Clement's vines have rooted their legacy. The 2002 vintage proved a spotlight year for this esteemed estate, navigating a season of contrasts to give us a compelling narrative in a bottle.

 

Robust Elegance: A Vintage's Tale

In the fabric of Bordeaux's vast tapestry, 2002 was not an easy year. Yet, Chateau Pape Clement’s mettle, powered by its storied history dating back centuries, yielded a vintage that both defies expectations and rewards collectors. The performance of the 2002 Pape Clement is a testament to the resilience and expertise behind its production, achieving robust elegance despite the year's inconsistent weather patterns and challenges.

 

The Character of Climatic Adversity

Within the clutches of fluctuating climatic conditions, it is often observed that truly exceptional vintages are born from adversity. In its youth, the 2002 Pape Clement divulged a reticent reserve yet has flourished over time into a glorious maturity; its flavours have coalesced into a harmonious pantheon of blackcurrant bravado gently kissed with samplings of espresso and charred oak nuances, evidence of its patient aging in high quality French barrels.

The structure presents with a poised tannic backbone that has mellowed beautifully, bestowing the wine with a sublime balance and longevity, ideal for the long-term collector or investor enamored by the evolution of fine wines.

 

Investment-worthy Potential

In the investment sphere, a Chateau as revered as Pape Clement is as much about history as it is about transcendent winemaking. The 2002 vintage occupies an enviable position – mature enough to bestow immediate gratification upon opening yet possessing latent potential yet unyielded. It goes without saying that for astute investors looking to diversify with 'off-vintage' gems, the 2002 Pape Clement represents an opportunity that should be approached with buoyant optimism.

In conclusion, whether one is seduced by the story woven through each sip or charmed by its investment-worthiness amid fluctuating markets, the 2002 Pape Clement from Chateau Pape Clement reflects both a formidable harvest from a demanding year and a triumph indicative of Bordeaux's spirit under duress.

Market price (GBP)

£1,030.00

12x75cl

Highest score

93

POP score

79.23

Scores and tasting notes

93

An undeniable success as well as a candidate for the Graves of the vintage in 2002, the 2002 Pape Clement boasts a deep ruby/purple color in addition to notes of smoke, hot bricks, scorched earth, red and black currants, and some high-class cigar tobacco. It is medium to full-bodied with a rich, textured mouthfeel, wonderful sweetness, ripeness of tannin, and a long finish with hints of plums, licorice, and subtle barrique. It should drink well for 15-18 years. No property in Bordeaux is pushing the envelope of quality as hard and as enthusiastically as proprietor Bernard Magrez's Chateau Pape Clement. This is a fabulous terroir in the suburbs of Bordeaux, several miles from the area's two legends - Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #158

90

The Pape-Clement '02 has a very bright, floral, exuberant bouquet that soars from the glass...far more feminine than the '01 with black cherries, raspberry, dried leaves, black olive and a touch of liquorice. The palate has a very smooth entry, very well balanced, lithe and for Pape-Clement, supple and generous. Very harmonious, touch of bitter cherry, cedar, tobacco and roasted herbs on the finish. This is a very commendable wine for the vintage. Drink now-2020. Tasted July 2010.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2011

Vintage performance