Some dried leaf character on the nose now, and the acidity is quite marked. Tannins are a little dry, and the overriding character is savoury, bright and complex. Salty on the finish, with more leaf litter notes. No great breadth or power, and not the most elegant vintage of Clos des Papes, but this still has freshness and clarity. Very successful for the vintage. Drink now. Drinking Window: 2023 - 2026
Tasted by: Matt Walls (at Clos des Papes, Rhône, 15 Sep 2022)
Part of Rhône vintages: four to lay down and four to drink now

Some dried leaf character on the nose now, and the acidity is quite marked. Tannins are a little dry, and the overriding character is savoury, bright and complex. Salty on the finish, with more leaf litter notes. No great breadth or power, and not the most elegant vintage of Clos des Papes, but this still has freshness and clarity. Very successful for the vintage. Drink now.

Undoubtedly one of the best Châteauneufs of the vintage, Clos des Papes's 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape was in surprisingly fine form. Full-bodied but wonderfully silky with age, it shows developing aromas and flavors of tree bark, cola, dried spices, red cherries and white button mushrooms. While I wouldn't expect it to last forever, it should provide delicious drinking over the next 5 years or so. It was made from tiny yields of 16 hectoliters per hectare and reached 14.7% alcohol in what was a challenging vintage in the Southern Rhône.

Bright ruby. A heady bouquet displays fresh red berries, sandalwood, dried flowers and a hint of baking spices. Creamy in texture, with lively acidity lifting sweet red and dark berry and candied rose flavors. Becomes sappier with air and finishes with very good clarity and lingering spiciness. Avril thinks this wine will surprise people with its ability to age.

Vincent Avril fashioned one of the finest 2008 Chateauneuf du Papes of the appellation. Made from a classic blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah and the rest an assortment of permitted varietals, it exhibits a dark color as well as a bouquet of lavender, kirsch, licorice, loamy balsamic notes and hints of roasted meats and herbs. Evolved by this estate’s standards, it is an elegant effort with surprising density and richness. I actually prefer it to the 2005 (which was The Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year). The 2008 should drink nicely for 10-15 years. Drink 2010 - 2025.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #191, Oct 2010)

Dusty, dried spice nose with lots of energy. Lovely sweetness and fluidity. Already fun to drink with an edge of animal but no suggestion of brett. Very clean and fruity and sweet. Transparent. Already lovely. And somehow it seems refreshing. (JR)