Chateau Le Pape OC-6 Pessac Leognan – 2016

With 9 hectares of vines on gravelly soil, Chateau Le Pape has a superb terroir in the heart of the Pessac-Leognan appellation, close to Chateaux Smith Haut Lafite and Haut Bailly. It is without doubt one of the most magnificent-looking chateaux of the region, and one of the few where you can stay if ever visiting Bordeaux; a unique Bordeaux experience I would highly recommend!

The chateau dates back to 1805, but it is really only since it was purchased by American businessman Robert Willmers, owner of neighbouring Chateau Haut Bailly, that it has started to perform at a new quality level. The wines are now made by the talented Veronique Sanders and her team from Haut Bailly, and from the 2015 vintage onwards represent excellent value buys from this region.

The 2016 Le Pape  is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.

With fresh cassis and red forest fruit flavours and firm but fine tannins, this beautifully balanced wine is both elegant and intense. It is long on the aftertaste, with an iron-like minerality on the finish which is typical of the top terroirs of Pessac Leognan. Although you can enjoy it now, this wine would certainly benefit from a further 2-5 years of ageing in bottle to soften its tannins and release its full spectrum of flavours.  

40,000 bottles were produced. Drink 2023-2030+

Rated 90-92pts by Neil Martin