Clos des Papes 2014 is an elegant, medium-bodied Châteauneuf-du-Pape, dominated by Grenache (65%) with Mourvèdre, Syrah, and other varietals. Aromas of red and stone fruits, dried leaves, anise, and subtle spice lead to a silky, refined palate with sweet tannins, bright freshness, and minerality. Harmonious and poised, it combines finesse, elegance, and depth, making it both approachable now and suitable for cellaring.

Decanter | D 95
Published: Fine wine for Christmas - Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Paul and Vincent Avril, a father and son team, established themselves as one of the finest producers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Despite being predominantly Grenache, it is reminiscent of an elegant northern Rhône Syrah with the texture of a Pinot. With a medium bodied intensity, it has a beautiful red fruit expression with some savoury notes. Harmony, finesse and elegance are probably the three words that best describe this beauty. One for the cellar.

The Wine Advocate | RP 92-94
Published: Oct 30, 2015

From yields in range of 15 hectoliter per hectare, the 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape is reminiscent of the 2008 and reveals a healthy ruby color to go with the classic kirsch, dried flowers and spice notes that I always find in Avril’s wines. Showing an almost Pinot Noir-like texture with medium to full-bodied richness, sweet tannin and outstanding length, it will certainly be one of the more approachable, forward wines from this estate, and it should be a low to mid-nineties scoring effort.

As I commented in my recent retrospective article, Clos des Pape is one of the reference point estates for traditional, age-worthy Châteauneuf du Pape.

Jamessuckling,com | JS 93
Published: Apr 23, 2023

A seductive nose of stone fruits, anise, dried leaves and some mild spices. Medium body with good minerality on the mid-palate. Crunchy lemons and bright freshness with a salivating finish. Drink now.

Chateauneuf.com

Paul Avril (1873-1962) was one of the people behind the creation of the appellation. In 1896 he started to sell his wines with the name Clos des Papes. R?gis Avril (1901-1987) delivered wines to two presidents of France General de Gaulle and Georges Pompidou. Paul Avril (1937-2009) started working at the domain 1963 at first together with his father and later for many years with his son. Paul-Vincent Avril (1965 - ) attended as a young man wine school in Bourgondy and when he went back to the domain in 1988 he had visions about finesse and elegance and he still considers these qualities as most importent for a high class wine.

Today the property covers 32 ha. 3 ha. is with white varieties. 24 different parcels are spread around the town. One parcel is nearby the pope's castle and has been surrounded by walls (clos). From here came the name of the domain. Since 2011 the vineyards are certified "agriculture biologique"

Only one cuvee of white (10% of the production) and of red Chateauneuf du Pape are made. Since 1991 destalking has been total and since 1987 the total production has been bottled at the domain. The secret behind the high quality is a low yield. In vintage 2007, 2008 and 2009 the yield has been 25, 17 and 19 hl/ha. The yield is minimized by green harvest and by repeated sorting of the grapes during harvest. Clos des Papes is not a place for experiments. The aim is constantly to make a wine of very high quality that meet the expectations from Paul Vincent Avril himself as well from his costumers around the world. It's a sign of quality to Avril if the wine is recognizable through the vintages. 80% of the production counting about 100.000 bottles is exported. It's not at all a problem for Avril to sell his wines even in times where the market suffers from crisis.

Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge
65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah and 5% others. 
Aged in foudres for 12-15 months. 
Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 
Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Picpoul. No wood involved.