This is a very structured 2022 with powerful tannins that run the length of the wine. Yet it's perfumed and fresh with flowers and subtle undertones of stone. Pure. It's full but not heavy with backbone and structure. Lots of crushed stone and currants. One of the most transparent you Pape's I have tasted. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet sauvignon.
by James Suckling, 2023
Vinous Media94-96pt
The 2022 Pape Clement was picked 7-27 September at 35hL/ha, aged in 60% new oak. It has quite an open and expressive bouquet at this stage, with blackcurrant and bilberry scents. A more sensual Pape Clement perhaps, the oak is neatly integrated. Black olives emerge with time, hints of sea spray - this is certainly a wine you have to stay with. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Layers of black fruit laced with graphite and cedar, rending this 2022 quite Pauillac-like in style. Nicely controlled on the finish, this is a Pape Clement with breeding.
by Vinous Media, 2023
Wine Advocate92-94pt
Revealing aromas of blueberries, cassis, spring flowers and toasty new oak, the 2022 Pape Clement is full-bodied, broad and textural, with a rich, layered core of super-ripe fruit framed by liberally extracted tannins that assert themselves on the firm, lavishly oaky finish. This is a flamboyant, unabashedly modern-styled Pape Clment that will need several years in the cellar to blossom. It's a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.
by Wine Advocate, 2023
James Suckling97pt
A very well-balanced Pape Clement showing a solid structure, concentration and length. Fresh and complex, with a fine streak of minerals and aromas of cassis, berries, white pepper and tapenade. Some wood spices, but they're quite restrained. Full-bodied, tight and long. A transparent and complete wine for the cellar.
by James Suckling, 2025
Vinous Media97pt
The 2022 Pape Clement is a classy, elegant wine. Soaring aromatics open first. On the palate, the 2022 is vibrant and explosive, with terrific depth and exceptional balance. Today's wines here are simply striking because of their energy and verve. Those qualities help make Pape Clement one of the most changed wines in Bordeaux over the last decade or so. Red/purplish fruit, blood orange, cinnamon, new leather and sage are some of the many notes that linger on the sustained finish. The 2022 is a superb Pape Clement.
by Vinous Media, 2025
Wine Enthusiast96pt
The combination of smooth texture and firm tannins is both rich and fragrant. This is a fine vintage, from an estate founded in the 13th century. It is powerful and will age well.
by Wine Enthusiast, 2023
Wine Spectator94pt
Well-packed with dark currant, raspberry, plum and cherry compote notes, all carried by gently singed apple wood and cedar. Sweet tobacco and a flash of incense fill in on the finish, which offers woodsy hints but stays polished and fine-grained overall. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.