Three Decades of Pape Clement

La Folie Restaurant in San Francisco
Tasted Wednesday, November 16, 2011 by europat55 with 647 views

Introduction

Wine tasting dinner event at la Folie hosted by JJ Buckley with Sophie Bonnet-Doux wine specialist from Chateau Pape Clement and Michelin-starred chef Roland Passot.

Flight 1 - Amuse Bouches (1 Note)

2004 Château Pape Clément Blanc 91 Points

France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

This is was one of my first experience with a white Bordeaux so i didn't know too much what to expect and i was quite surprised by the strong amount of oak. It reminded me of the oaky California chardonnays, but with more depth on the palate.

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Flight 2 - Course #1 - Seared Diver Scallop on Carrot and Pea Ragout with a Pancetta and Chanterelle Broth (1 Note)

2005 Château Fombrauge Blanc 89 Points

France, Bordeaux

This was a little boring and unidimentional when first poured (too cold?), but it evolved into something very good after a little while in the glass. Nice exotic fruit, nice acidity. Medium nose.
43% Sauvignon Blanc, 22% Sauvignon Gris, and 35% Semillon.

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Flight 3 - Course #2 - Pan Seared Wild Black Cod with Leek Fondue and Bone Marrow Red Wine Sauce (2 Notes)

2004 Château Fombrauge 87 Points

France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

Somewhat California Merlot in style. Dark color, black berries nose and soft palate. Drinking well right now.
78% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon.

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2005 Château Pape Clément 88 Points

France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

Very dense purple color. Excellent dark berries nose. This is still very young, so I'm having difficulties with the current palate, but it seems to have what's needed for an outstanding wine down the road. ~88 points now, 90-95 in 20 years.
55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon

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Flight 4 - Course #3 - Roasted Emigh Farms Lamb Rack with Butter Beans, Chorizo and lamb Tongue, Taggiasca Olive Lamb Jus (2 Notes)

1996 Château Pape Clément 91 Points

France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

Outstanding nose (black currants, plums, beries), rich silky palate. The tannis are still a little bit sharp so I don't think this is at peak yet.
70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.

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1986 Château Pape Clément 92 Points

France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

This was very similar to the '96 is side-by-side tasting with an amazing nose of dark berries and plum, but the palate has evolved into more finesse with fully resolved soft tannins.

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Flight 5 - Course #4 - Selection of Artisan Cheeses (Hollyhock, Epoisse, Crottin de Chavignol) (1 Note)

2004 Château Magrez Fombrauge 87 Points

France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

Dark blue/purple color. Sweet nose. Very rich palate, but I little bit too oaky for me.
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc.

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