2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Clos des Papes, Paul Avril & Fils, Rhône

2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Clos des Papes, Paul Avril & Fils, Rhône

Product: 20101110490
Prices start from £445.00 per case Buying options
2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Clos des Papes, Paul Avril & Fils, Rhône

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Available by the case In Bond. Pricing excludes duty and VAT, which must be paid separately before delivery. Storage charges apply.
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6 x 75cl bottle
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Description

The white is made up of six varieties, in approximately equal shares; Grenache and Roussanne for weight and texture; Clairette and Picardin for finesse and poise and Bourboulenc and Picpoul for firm linear acidity; all are fermented together. The result is stunning with aromatics of white flowers and orchard fruit and a multi-faceted palate which combines notes of fennel, pear-skin, honied grapefruit, nougat and lemongrass to name but a few. Firm linear acidity laces this fine cloth into a very complete ensemble.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer, February 2012

Vincent Avril, in a typically fascinating tasting, had prepared four pre-assemblages, of which one was set to be closest to the final blend. The differences between the four, with their varying degree of differing grapes, from differing sites, was extremely instructive. All were excellent but the final foudre seemed to be richer, longer and more complete. A very valuable lesson in the blender’s art, and for Vincent, all the components are vital, hence his insistence, probably in defiance of huge commercial reward, to resist the temptation of creating a super or deluxe cuvée. Such integrity is to be celebrated, most appropriately with a glass of Clos des Papes in one’s hand!

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Critics reviews

Wine Advocate93/100
The 2010 Clos des Papes blanc, which as I said earlier is an equal part blend of Grenache blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, Picpoul, and Bourboulenc, is aged in stainless steel, with malolactic fermentation blocked to preserve all of its acidity. The 2010 displays honeyed grapefruit, licorice and an almost exotic pineapple note along with a hint of truffle. The wine has superb fruit, precision, minerality and freshness, and should drink nicely for 20-25 or more years.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 31/10/2011 Read more
Robert Parker93/100
The 2010 Clos des Papes blanc, which as I said earlier is an equal part blend of Grenache blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, Picpoul, and Bourboulenc, is aged in stainless steel, with malolactic fermentation blocked to preserve all of its acidity. The 2010 displays honeyed grapefruit, licorice and an almost exotic pineapple note along with a hint of truffle. The wine has superb fruit, precision, minerality and freshness, and should drink nicely for 20-25 or more years.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Oct 2011) Read more

About this WINE

Paul Avril et Fils

Paul Avril et Fils

With Vincent Avril at the helm, Clos des Papes is one of the most highly regarded properties; not only in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but in the world of wine. This family estate has been certified organic for 15 years, with high attention to detail translating into impressively low production levels. Given that the vines here average over 50 years of age, they are firmly prepared and able to withstand many ordeals, including Mistral winds at 140 kilometres an hour, severe heatwaves and drought conditions. Thankfully, they were spared from the latter two in 2020.

When you visit this iconic estate, what stands out most is the complete focus on the vineyard and the absolutely hands-off approach in the cellar. The wines are amongst the purest expression of terroir you could ever wish to taste. There is a magic here that transcends the liquid in the bottle – Clos des Papes is a nonpareil of sheer brilliance.

Vincent is exceptionally happy with his ’20 wines, saying, “I can tell you ’20 is, I think, a great year that will stand the test of time. A very balanced, fine vintage with great freshness, silky tannins and good length in the mouth. Everything was climatically united, both for the red and the white. Currently, ’20 reminds me of ’05 and ’07.”

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Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The most celebrated village of the Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the birthplace of the now indispensable French Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée system – imperfect though it may be. Compared to the Northern Rhône, the vineyards here are relatively flat and often feature the iconic galet pebbles – the precise benefits of which are a source of much debate. Minimum alcohol levels required by the AOC are the highest in France, but at 12.5% it is well below the natural generosity of Grenache, which only achieves its full aromatic potential when it is fully ripe and laden with the resultant high sugars. Syrah and Mourvèdre contribute the other defining elements in the blend, adding pepper, savoury spice and structure to the decadent Grenache. There are a further 10 permitted red grape varieties which can be used to adjust the “seasoning”. Of the five white varieties permitted, it is Grenache Noir’s sibling – predictably perhaps – Grenache Blanc, which dominates, though Roussanne shows a great deal of promise when handled well, notably at Château de Beaucastel.

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White Rhône Blend

White Rhône Blend

With the exception of the wines from Condrieu and Château-Grillet virtually all Rhône Valley whites are made from blends.

In the north, the white wines of Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, St-Joseph, and St-Péray are produced from blends of Marsanne and Roussanne. Generally Marsanne is the dominant partner and it lends colour, body and weight to the blend, as well as richly scented fruit. Roussanne, a notoriously low yielder and pernickety to grow, produces intensely aromatic wines which contribute bouquet, delicacy and finesse to the blend.

Until about 15 years ago there was very little interest in southern Rhône whites as it was widely believed that the combination of dull non aromatic grapes and the baking summer heat meant quality wine production was nigh impossible. Since then the quality has improved markedly through the introduction of cool fermentation techniques and increased plantings of northern Rhône white grapes.

The base of many blends is still Grenache Blanc, a widely planted variety producing fresh wines with apple-like fruits, often with hints of aniseed. Ugni Blanc is still found in many blends, as is Clairette though their general lack of character and definition has led to a reduction in plantings. The future for southern Rhône whites appears to lie with Roussanne, Marsanne, and, increasingly, Viognier.

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