Chateauneuf du Pape Clos des Papes 2024 (750ML)

Paul-Vincent Avril makes just one red and one white Châteauneuf-du-Pape from roughly 90 acres of vines scattered across the appellation, and he declines to carve out special cuvées. The red is fully destemmed and aged only in older foudres in a temperature-controlled cellar. In 2024 yields were very low, and the blend carries an unusually large share of Mourvèdre alongside Grenache, which shows in the wine's spice and dark fruit. Black cherry and blackberry lead, with raspberry, cracked pepper, garrigue and a stony note; violets gain ground as it sits in the glass. Ripe, fine-grained tannins and a fresh, taut line keep the fruit in check through a long finish. Critics see it opening around 2031 and holding into the 2050s. Plan on braised oxtail, roast pigeon or cassoulet.