Walking through the aromatic labyrinth of the 2005 Pape Clement from Chateau Pape Clement, one is immediately ensconced in a tapestry of olfactory complexity. This vintage emerges from the renowned terrains of Pessac-Leognan with a finesse that is simply beguiling.

Understanding the climactic narrative of 2005 is pivotal when appraising this sophisticated nectar. A year that brought Bordeaux a glorious summer and an untroubled ripening season, it culminated in harvest conditions that many an oenologist dreams about. The essence of the vintage rests within the bottle – exquisitely distilled in the form of the 2005 Pape Clement.

Chateau Pape Clement is one of the brightest stars in the extensive range of vineyards Bernard Magrez owns worldwide. Based in Bordeaux, this great owner has made quality his personal battle. Hence, the care lavished on this land, the exceptional qualities of which have made Pessac's reputation for over seven centuries.

Planted in 1300, the estate is the oldest planted vineyard in the region, when it was presented to Bertrand de Goth upon his appointment as archbishop of Bordeaux, by his brother, Berald. It received its name from Bertrand's papal name, Clement V; on his election in 1306 he gave the estate to his successor as archbishop, Cardinal Arnaud de Canteloup. Bertrand, who would later move the papacy to Avignon near Chateauneuf-du-Pape, planted this original vineyard with red wine grapes.

Invitingly deep garnet in hue, this wine exudes elegance with its rich and exuberant nose. One experiences layered whispers of blackcurrant, spicy oak, and hints of warm earth – signalling an investment piece with a bouquet that has been shaped by its storied terroir. On the palate, it reveals structured tannins, borne from its youth but mellowed gracefully with age. The balance between power and poise is masterful – an alchemical interplay befitting those with an astute eye for vinous treasures.

Critical Acclaim

100 Jeb Dunnuck

Another absolute legend in the vintage is the 2005 Château Pape Clément, which is just now starting to hit prime time. Based on 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, it has a deep, powerful, incredibly seductive style to go with beautiful darker fruits, scorched earth, smoke, and chocolatey nuances. With velvety tannins, a flawless, full-bodied, seamless mouthfeel, blockbuster length, it should blow you away any time over the coming two decades.

99 Wine Advocate

Owned by Bernard Magrez, this great terroir a few miles from Haut Brion and La Mission Haut Brion has produced one of the superstars of the vintage. A blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, Pape Clement’s 2005 has an opaque purple color and smoky barbecue and chocolaty notes intermixed with cassis and blackberries. There is also some underlying minerality in this full-bodied, super-concentrated wine, which has wonderfully sweet, well-integrated tannins. This majestic, multidimensional wines is one of the great, great wines of the vintage. 

96 Vinous

The 2005 Pape Clément is a blockbuster. Rich, heady and explosive, the 2005 packs a serious punch. Inky black fruit, new leather, spice, menthol, chocolate, gravel and scorched earth are all kicked up in this decidedly flamboyant Pessac-Léognan. The 2005 boasts tremendous depth, but equally lavish new oak.

96 Wine Spectator

Dark in color, offering wonderful aromas of licorice, berry, fresh tobacco and currant, with Indian spices. Complex and full-bodied, with supersilky tannins that caress every inch of the palate. Long and satisfying. A joy to taste this young wine.