Pape Clement Rouge 2000 (750ML)

97 JD / 96 RP / 94 JS / 94 WE

Just drinking brilliantly, the 2000 (50/50 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) is still lively ruby-hued and has a classic Graves nose of earthy currant and cherry fruits as well as smoked earth, lead pencil, tobacco, wood smoke, and leafy herbs. It starts out up-front and leads with its fruit, yet over the course of the evening. it offers more and more Graves smokiness, earth, and deeper, herbal goodness. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's seamless and has terrific freshness, integrated tannins, and a great finish. It's certainly in its prime drink window yet has another 10-15 years of prime drinking, with a gradual decline after that, assuming perfect storage. - Jeb Dunnuck

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. - Robert M. Parker, Jr

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. - James Suckling

A rich, open modern style of wine, full of new wood flavors. The fruit is solid, chunky and square, while the tannins are ripe and generous. This will develop relatively quickly, over the next 10 years. - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast