Chateau Pape Clement 2000

WEINWISSER: "Dunkles Rubin-Purpur. Bouquet zu Beginn rotbeerig, Johannisbeeren, rosa Pfefferkörner, Veilchen, dann immer süsser und fülliger werdend, nach 30 Minuten Amarenakirschen und hell gerösteter Kaffee. Im Gaumen saftig, fein, süsse Tannine, mit viel samtigem Schmelz, jetzt schon drogenhaft, erst recht in fünf Jahren."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "This wine stands out as a sensational effort just a few years away from full maturity. A 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine displays loads of scorched earth and smoky barbecue scents along with blueberry, black raspberry and black currant. The wine is expansive, has a savory, broad palate and a full-bodied mouthfeel, yet possesses vivid purity and uplift. The tannins are still present, but they are sweet and well-integrated. This wine should hit full maturity in another year or two and last for at least 20 more years."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Very dark crimson. A little rawness on the nose but very dense and vibrant and lovely smoothness on the palate whose gloss all but distracts from the tannins. Long. Bravo!"

JAMES SUCKLING: "A soft and rich red now with so much meat, chocolate, stone and even game. Then there´s dark and bright fruit under. Full body, velvety tannins and a fresh finish."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Showing some considerable maturity, with prominent smoldering tobacco and cedar notes at the fore, followed by steeped blackberry and black cherry fruit flavors and a finish that courses with warm tar and singed bay leaf depths. Underneath, though, the tannins are rich and long, so this may stay at this point for some time.--Blind 2000 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2015). Drink now through 2026. 7,333 cases made."