Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes - Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021

Located in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region in the Rhône Valley, Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes is named in honor of the small 18th century oratory (oratoire in French) that overlooks its original 49.5-acre vineyard plot. In 1880, Edouard Amouroux became the owner of this parcel, which was planted to Syrah, and contained the small oratory that had been dedicated to St. Mark. By the 1920’s the Amouroux family was already bottling their own Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine from this vineyard parcel naming their vineyard Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes. As a tribute to its rich history, the wine’s distinctive label design has remained unchanged since its original design in 1926.

The Estate has prided itself on respecting time-honored wine making traditions while at the same time, incorporating modern techniques to ensure the highest quality wine possible are made each year. In 2006, Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes converted to organic farming and uses a horse-drawn plow to till the vineyard’s soils. After the grapes are hand-harvested, they are transported to winery in small baskets only to undergo vigorous selection process with a double sorting table. Depending on the vintage, the grapes are then partially (or wholly) destemmed and can be co-fermented with different varieties in order to produce a complex and pedigreed wine.

Today, the estate comprises a total of 100-acres showcasing the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region’s four great soil types: galets roulés (rounded stones over sandy clay), safres (sandy soils), éclats calcaires (limestone-based clays) and red-sandstone. The iconic estate produces three distinctive wines – a red and white Châteauneuf-du-Pape and a limited release cuvée, “Les Choregies du Clos de L’Oratoire des Papes”, produced only in exceptional years.

The juices are vinified in egg-shaped concrete vats to create gravitational movement (known as the ‘vortex phenomenon’) by ensuring that the lees remain suspended so as to increase aromatic potential. 80% of the blend is fermented in vats at between 15 and 18°C and then aged on its full lees and without malolactic fermentation. The remaining 20% of the blend is fermented in 300 L new oak barrels and stirred gently through until December time.

"The 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsaut. It displays moderately intense aromas of predominantly red fruits, slightly cooked, as well as some leafiness. Medium to full-bodied, the well-structured palate delivers juicy fruit. Balanced by fresh acidity, it concludes with a bright finish." - 90 Points, Vinous

"The 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape (80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre and Cinsault) showed well, with the pure, focused, elegant style of the vintage front and center. A blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and the rest equal doses of Mourvèdre and Cinsault, it has a healthy ruby/plum hue as well as classic darker cherry and currant fruits, medium body, ripe yet building tannins, and ample peppery garrigue, lavender, and Provençal aromas and flavors. It’s rock-solid and borderline outstanding. Drink bottles any time over the coming decade." - 89 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

Producer: Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes

Country: France

Region: Rhône

Varietal: Grenache, Syrah

Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Vintage: 2021

Size: 750ml