1999 Pape Clement
By Chateau Pape Clement
1999 Pape Clement from Chateau Pape Clement, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux
In the grand tapestry of Bordeaux vintages, the 1999 Pape Clement from the esteemed Chateau Pape Clement emerges as a testament to the resilience and finesse of Pessac-Léognan. The turn of the millennium appeared to offer a challenge to winemakers with its variable climatic personalities. However, Chateau Pape Clement's adept viniculture practices transformed these challenges into an outstanding vintage that captivates investors and connoisseurs alike.
Embracing the Unpredictable: A Vintage of Resilience
The 1999 season will be recalled for its lack of predictability, one which required both patience and prowess in equal measure. The cool, wet spring gave way to a notably dry and warm summer, setting a dichotomous stage for the grapes' development. This climatic duality was handled with aplomb at Chateau Pape Clement, allowing for an expressive vintage that unfurls layers of complexity with each sip.
Investment-Worthy Vintage with Elevated Character
The 1999 Pape Clement embodies a harmonious blend of richly layered fruits intermingled with tertiary notes of earth and leather - a result of its age and the expertise behind its production. On the palate, it greets investors with disciplined tannins and a refined structure that speaks to its longevity and aptitude for further maturation. This is a vintage that not only offers a delectable drinking experience but stands as a lucrative asset in an investor's portfolio.
For those seeking entrée into fine wine investment or looking to diversify their holdings, the 1999 Pape Clement is most certainly deserving of consideration. Its robust yet elegant profile ensures it remains one of the sought-after vintages of the late 90s – one marked by regal poise amidst climatic adversity.
The year's subtle warmth is gently cradled by an enchanting coolness in this vintage, like watching dusk settle over the vineyards of Pessac-Léognan – mesmerising, whispering promises of longevity and grace. Thus lies the inherent value proposition for the savvy investor seeking to enhance their collection with an exemplar from Bordeaux: the 1999 Pape Clement from Chateau Pape Clement is undeniably one such prized acquisition.
Current market price
$1,680.00
12x75cl
Highest score
91
POP score
91.82
Scores and tasting notes
The stunning1999 Pape Clement is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon and 46% Merlot. The wine is performing better from bottle than it did from cask. There is a fabulous bouquet of smoke, blueberries, raspberry cassis, and liquid minerals. This is a medium to full-bodied, layered, concentrated wine with no hard edges. As it sat in the glass, additional aromas of cedar wood, graphite, and cigar smoke emerged. This is a classic, sexy, knock-out Pessac-Leognan with a surprisingly dense, rich style for a 1999. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2018.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #140
Tasted at the 1999 horizontal at Bordeaux Index. The Pape-Clement '99 has a ripe, blackcherry, Oriental nose with touches of iodine and Chinese five-spice. There is an underlying vegetal note that may become more pronounced with time. The palate is endowed with fat chewy tannins, quite voluptuous and exotic, with hints of chocolate and dried herbs towards the weight finish. Good length, but just a little soulless. Drink now-2020. Tasted June 2009.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2009