Richly velvet with ripe tannins, this is a very accessible wine. Its ripe blackberry fruits are generous, full of spice and a texture that is rounded and brings concentration. The juicy character of the vintage comes through at the end.

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Clémentin de Pape Clement strides confidently out of the glass with classic scents of ripe blackcurrants, juicy black plums and cedar chest, plus touches of graphite, bay leaves, unsmoked cigars and espresso. The medium-bodied, elegantly styled palate (13.5% alcohol) has a lot of grace and presence for a second wine, featuring finely grained tannins and seamless freshness to support the bright, black fruit flavors, finishing on a minerally note.

The 2019 Le Pape is plump, juicy and expressive, all qualities that make it a fine choice for drinking now and over the next decade or more. Juicy dark cherry, plum, spice, menthol and mocha are all dialed up in this juicy, racy Pessac-Leognan. Drinking Window: 2023-2034.