Château Pape Clément, 2007
There is a kind of wine—a wine that regularly pops into my head without any recommendations from others, missed opportunities in the past, or even personal experience. Yet, it constantly makes me desperately want it. This wine tempts me every time it reveals itself, keeping all information about it a secret from my preconceived notions. It patiently waits, hiding, until the day we finally meet. Although it's somewhat outside my usual preferred categories, which often makes me delay choosing it, I can never completely forget about it. When you realize there's no escape except trying it and facing it, only one choice remains in the end.
Château Pape Clément is not just one of those wines for me, but also one that has held that position the longest. I once had the chance to choose a younger vintage, about 10 years younger, at a similar price. However, I wanted to experience the full-bodied character of the 2007 vintage. The color of the wine wasn’t quite brick red, nor was it too bright. It displayed a beautiful garnet hue around the edges. Although 17 years is not a young vintage for this wine, it's also not one that typically requires waiting several decades. I noticed some sediment on the shoulder of the bottle as I poured.
From the very beginning, even before the first taste, multi-layered aromas greeted me. Without aeration or decanting, this 17-year-old wine revealed top notes of blackberries and cherries, with earthy and mineral tones in the middle. The long finish lingered with slightly metallic and spicy flavors. On the palate, crème de cassis spread deeply and elegantly. I was surprised to learn that the blend for this vintage was nearly equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot balancing the wine. This blend created a powerful, bold texture—stronger than I expected, even for the Pessac-Léognan region, which is known for such characteristics. At the same time, it showed a delicate, silky finish, like fine fabric. The wine expressed a class where balance and complexity coexist in the same glass. The short yet distinct spicy note also made its mark in the finish.
Château Pape Clément offers a fascinating experience, with its blend of Bordeaux’s dominant style and Pessac-Léognan’s signature elegance, showcasing delicate structures throughout an enjoyable tasting journey.
