Clos des Papes 2017 is another excellent vintage after outstanding 2016.

According to the vintner Vincent Avril, 2017 Clos des Papes is the combination of the structure and the power of 2016 and the finesse and fruit of 2015. Unlike the big and powerful 2016 which requires a long period of time for drinking, 2017 will be more approachable sooner. We need to mention that yields were extremely low, 15 hl/ha vs 25 hl/ha in 2016, which provided great fruit concentration without being heavy or fat due to the cold weather conditions throughout the growing season bringing beautiful freshness to the wine.

The wine has black cherries, raspberries and plum with earthiness and saltiness. Concentrated flavours last long in the mouth with superb freshness. It is fine, tannins are ripe and soft, no edges, no greenness, everything is in harmony and balance. Definitely another great vintage of Chateauneuf-du-Pape that has a character.

Paul Avril is one of the few producers making wine in a most traditional way in Chateaneuf-du-Pape. No barriques, no manipulation, neither polished nor filtered but purity and elegance. Biodynamic winemaking, very low yields, 25 hl/hectare, ancient vines are grown in the most famous plots of Châteauneuf-du-Pape since the early 17th century, dozens of different plots producing different characteristics giving the wine complexity. Obsessed with the quality, produces only one white and one red every year, selecting only the best grapes and selling the remaining instead of making second wine.

Better in 2022 - 2040

Wine Type: Red Producer: Paul Avril Clos des Papes Appellation: Chateauneuf du Pape Region: Southern Rhone Style: Rich and intense Grape: 45% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah Country: France Vintage: 2017 Alcohol Content: 15% Allergens: Contains Sulfites Content: 0,75 liter

99 points, Jeb Dunnuck

The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape looks to be a huge success and reminds me of 2007. As is normal, Vincent keeps multiple foudres with different blends, and it's always incredibly educational tasting through the different barrels. The final blend has a classic, sweet bouquet of cherry, spices, and garrigue, and it's full-bodied, deep, and thrillingly concentrated on the palate. Mourvèdre due to the tiny quantity of Grenache in the vintage, which makes me think this cuvée might close down after bottling, but it's upfront and incredibly expressive today. 

94-96+ points, Paul Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

Paul-Vincent Avril and I tasted from several foudres of the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape. Foudre # 17 What Syrah-heavy, with plenty of blueberries and blackberry fruit tinged with licorice. Full-bodied and rich, which means silky and long . 94-96 / 100