Pape Clément 2016: A Historic Château in a Great Bordeaux Vintage
Château Pape Clément is one of the oldest wine estates in Bordeaux. Its history dates back to the 13th century, when Bertrand de Goth owned the vineyard. He later became Pope Clement V, after whom the château is named. Today, this historic estate is located in Pessac-Léognan and is part of Bernard Magrez’s holdings.
Origin and Identity
The Pape Clément vineyards are located on the gravelly soils of the Graves, where red Bordeaux wines have enjoyed a reputation for centuries. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot play a key role. The combination of soil, grapes, and meticulous winemaking gives the wine its character. The estate’s history makes each new harvest another chapter in an exceptionally long story.
The Story of the Vintage
After a wet spring, the dry summer of 2016 brought about a long, balanced ripening process. The favorable conditions leading up to the harvest helped Pape Clément achieve a combination of ripeness, structure, and crisp precision.
Character and Development
Blackcurrant, black cherries, smoke, cedar, and subtle spices complement this Pessac-Léognan. The tannins give the wine length and aging potential. With further bottle aging, notes of tobacco, cedar, and earthy nuances may complement the fruit. The balance between ripeness, freshness, and tannins remains key to the wine’s development.
Pape Clément’s long history lends this vintage a unique perspective. While viticultural techniques have changed over the centuries, the vineyard has remained tied to the same region. The combination of a long-standing reputation and modern care in the cellar makes it fascinating to discover how the Pessac-Léognan style is expressed in this vintage.
Store and Enjoy
Serve with roasted beef, lamb, or dishes featuring mushrooms. Let the wine breathe in the glass and taste it before deciding whether decanting is necessary. Store the bottle in a dark, cool place at a stable temperature. A mature Bordeaux may develop sediment; if so, stand the bottle upright beforehand and pour carefully.
Discover more
See also 2018 Pape Clément and discover it Port2Port's wine selection.

