Clos des Papes is one of the greatest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape – indeed the whole of France – with roots going as far back as 1600. With this in mind, the wines remain remarkably good value. They are the model of Châteauneuf balance and finesse, and that gives them the ability to develop beautifully in bottle for decades. At 20 years of age, this 2000 is at a perfect stage of drinkability – it has taken on complexity but hasn’t yet lost any succulence. Great brightness of tannin and acidity, still fresh. A great vintage? Not in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, no. But is this a delicious, fully mature and balanced wine to drink now? Absolutely. Organic.

The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape reveals 14.6% alcohol, and is stylistically similar to the great 1990. The 2000 is open-knit and fat, with higher levels of glycerin as well as a more corpulent style than the structured, backward 2001. A deep ruby/purple color is followed by sweet, black cherry/kirsch liqueur-like notes presented in a voluptuous, full-throttle, intense style. It is already revealing such secondary nuances as pepper, garrigue, and truffles. Chewy, full-bodied, and moderately tannic, this cuvee is accessible, but not ready to drink. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025.
-Wine Advocate #145 Feb 2003

(95 pts)
The 2000 reveals 14.6% alcohol, and is stylistically similar to the great 1990. The 2000 is open-knit and fat, with higher levels of glycerin as well as a more corpulent style than the structured, backward 2001. A deep ruby/purple color is followed by sweet, black cherry/kirsch liqueur-like notes presented in a voluptuous, full-throttle, intense style. It is already revealing such secondary nuances as pepper, garrigue, and truffles. Chewy, full-bodied, and moderately tannic, this cuvee is accessible, but not ready to drink. Why is it that every time I drink this wine, a grand cru Burgundy from Vosne-Romanee comes to mind? Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025.
-eRobertParker.com Jan 2003

(91-93 pts)
The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape (14.3% alcohol) was produced from relatively abundant yields (for this estate) of 30 hectoliters per hectare. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by an elegant bouquet of black raspberries mixed with cherries, minerals, tree bark, and spice. There is abundant power and elegance as well as a pure style and surprising finesse for a Chateauneuf du Pape. The 2000 requires 3-4 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020.
-Wine Advocate #138 Dec 2001

The Burgundian-styled 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape is drinking at point today. Possessing beautiful notes of forest floor, truffles, spice, garrigue and sweet cherry and kirsch like fruit, this beauty has notable freshness and purity, medium to full-bodied richness, fine tannin and a layered, integrated texture that keeps you coming back to the glass. There's no need to delay gratification here and I'd enjoy bottles over the coming 4-5 years.

Very good deep red-ruby. Roasted plum and black fruit aromas, with notes of violet, dark chocolate, smoke and game. Fat, lush and superripe; shows more of a roasted character than the 2001, but also boasts solid acidity. A huge, full-blown wine with exotic notes of roasted herbs. Finishes with big, dusty tannins and excellent length.

65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, Counoise, Vaccarèse and Muscardin. Milk chocolate, incredible rose-petal perfume, chewy texture but loads of truffle scent and rich, succulent fruit. Quite light in body, but full of substance and length. Still has plenty to give. (RH)