Château Pape Clément Cru Classé de Graves 1988
12.5%
4.5L
Intensity
A true jewel of the Magrez empire, this Pessac-Léognan is nobility marked by its exceptional concentration, combined with a refined, supple texture.
More infoLot presentation
Château Pape Clément Cru Classé de Graves 1988
The wine
Benefitting from a similar micro-climate to its neighbour Haut-Brion, Pape Clément produces highly aromatic, supple and incredibly refined red wines. A substantial proportion of Merlot gives the wines a remarkable silkiness, and makes them accessible for drinking young, although they also have an exceptional capacity to age in great vintages.
About the Producer Château Pape Clément
Pape-Clément's history dates back to the 13th century, when Bertrand de Goth, the archbishop of Bordeaux, received the land as a gift. Elected pope in 1306, he took the name of Clément V and renamed his property Pape Clément, subsequently leaving it to the Bordeaux clergy, who kept the production for their own consumption. After the French Revolution, the property passed through many hands, which seemed to result in a gradual decline. A disastrous hail storm in 1937 almost put an end to production. Fortunately, the vineyard was purchased in 1939 by an agricultural engineer named Paul Montagne, who revived the property, replanting the vines and renovating the winery, before passing the reins on to his son Léo. By 1953 the vintage wines were flourishing again, but from 1975 onwards, a lack of investment led to something of a decline over a period of about ten years. It was then that Bernard Magrez, now an iconic figure in Bordeaux, arrived on the scene as a co-owner and, from 1985 onwards, the wines regained their former quality, assisted by the talents of Michel Rolland the famous consultant oenologist. Rolland introduced plot-by-plot vinification, giving the wines more complexity and refinement as a result of different terroirs and grape varieties being able to express their individual characteristics before blending.
Detailed characteristics
Quantity: 3 magnums
Level: 3 NormalObservations: 2 Marked labels, 2 Highly worn labels, 3 Slightly damaged labels, 1 Slightly damaged capsuleOrigin: private individual
Type of cellar: underground, natural cellar
Recoverable VAT: no
Original wooden case / Original case: no
French customs seal: yes
Alcohol percentage: 12.5 %
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation: Pessac-Léognan
Classification: Grave cru classé
Owner: Léo Montagne et Bernard Magrez
Vintage: 1988
Colour: red
Service temperature: 16°
Size (in ha): 30 hectares
Volume: 80000 bottles
Intensity: classic
Leading aroma: black fruit
Tasting occasion: food-friendly wine