The 2015 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape is a standout red wine from the Southern Rhone region of France. Produced by Clos des Papes, this wine is a proprietary blend, primarily composed of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, with the remaining 5% made up of various allowable grape varieties. With a substantial alcohol content of 15%, this vintage is known for its rich and complex profile.
Wine Spectator awarded this vintage an impressive score of 98, describing it as having a "drop-dead gorgeous core of cassis and raspberry pâte de fruit flavors" with additional notes of "Lapsang souchong tea, anise, incense, and shiso leaf." The review highlights its "sublime feel through the mineral-tinged finish," emphasizing its seductive nature and potential longevity, suggesting it can be enjoyed from now through 2040.
Jeb Dunnuck also praised this wine, giving it a score of 95. He noted its "classic, elegant, and incredibly complex style," comparing it to a Grand Cru Red Burgundy. The tasting notes include "black raspberries, blueberries, incense, pine resin, dried orange, and exotic floral notes," describing the wine as medium to full-bodied with "beautiful purity and a seamless finish." Dunnuck suggests it will be at its best between 2020 and 2030.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate scored the 2015 vintage at 97, calling it "a floral, elegant, unbelievably complex wine" with flavors of "roses and violets, cherries and stone fruit, cinnamon and allspice." The review emphasizes its full-bodied yet weightless palate and silky tannins, recommending it for consumption over the next two decades.
James Suckling gave this wine a score of 93, noting its "impressive and bright mixed summer berry and spiced cherry fruits" on the nose. The palate is described as delivering "succulently ripe red cherry and plum fruit flavors," with a "gently warm and spicy finish."
Decanter scored it 96, describing the aroma as having "a touch of old Pinot Noir" before revealing a "rich and voluptuous palate showing raspberry and strawberry fruit." The review praises its fine tannins and complex, succulent nature.
Finally, Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com awarded it a 96, calling it "perhaps the most consistent wine of the appellation for the past five decades." He describes it as "a fabulous, sensuous, sexy wine, with velvet textured tannins and ripe, sweet red fruits and spice that does not want to quit."
Overall, the 2015 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape is a highly acclaimed wine, celebrated for its complexity, elegance, and balanced profile.