2009 Chateau Pape Clement Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan

Tasting Notes and Scores

95 RP

Although the 2009 Pape Clement may not be as sublime as the 2005 or 2000, but it is very close to those two efforts, and it will be fascinating to compare them (as well as the 2008 and 2010) over the following three decades. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc with a modest 13.5% alcohol, the 2009 reveals considerable structure and tannin along with tell-tale notes of burning embers, scorched earth, graphite, blueberries, blackberries and toasty vanillin, and a full-bodied mouthfeel. This rich, full offering is surprisingly backward. This cuvee should drink well in 5-6 years as one rarely has to wait a decade or more to enjoy Pape Clement. It should age for three decades or more. Drink: 2017 - 2047.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #199, Feb 2012

Wine Advocate

94 NM

The 2009 Pape-Clément has a very intense, slightly smudged bouquet with heady red fruit laced with smoke, hickory and light earthenware scents. It takes time to settle although, it does gain clarity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, well balanced with a fine bead of acidity. I find the finish just missing the tension of precision conveyed by say, the 2010 or 2016, to name but two superior vintages. This is a very fine Pape-Clément, but they have produced even greater examples in recent years. Tasted at BI Wines & Spirits' Ten Year On tasting. - vinous.com, March 2019

Neal Martin

936 WL

Quality 918 | Brand 951 | Economics 952 | buzz brand
Quality: Above the average quality score of its peer group for the 2009 vintage, 795 Brand: We found this wine on 17 of the world's top restaurant wine lists, including Pollen Street Social Economics: Above its peer group average price of £95 for the 2009 vintage Production: Higher production than its peer group average of 92,455 bottles

- www.wine-lister.com June 2017

Wine Lister

17 MS

[60CS/40M] Dense ripe fruit on the nose, raw blackcurrant with a hint of sweet cassis, already, and clear gravel behind; new oak almost imperceptible in spite of 100%. Rich, powerful, tannic wine - well balanced in its rather massive style, with an abundance of rich, sweetly ripe fruit, slightly bitter cored behind the very firm, but very fine tannins; long in flavour with a marked roasted spiciness and a long, almost peppery length. In spite of the alcohol not being that high (for 2009 claret), you (I, that should be) do notice the alcoholic warmth here all the time, on the attack, across the palate, on the finish. Potent and impressive of its type. Will it mellow? It will surely take a while! 2020-35+

Michael Schuster

Chateau Pape Clement Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan