2014 Château Pape Clément, Pessac-Léognan

Tasting Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux at the 10+ year mark is always a pinch-me experience. We had the pleasure of exploring a range of 2014 and 2015 selections at a tasting hosted by a renowned Bordeaux négociant. While the 2015s showed more concentration and richness, the 2014 vintage delivered remarkable purity, balance, and restraint, and a few standouts truly shined. One of the most fascinating comparisons was tasting 2014 Pape Clément alongside First Growth Haut-Brion. Despite being neighbors just 2 miles apart, their soils tell a different story: Haut-Brion: More deep gravel deposits, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon. Pape Clément: More limestone and clay influence, supporting both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. However, the biggest takeaway? The price difference. 2014 Haut-Brion starts at $400 (Ex-Château sourcing). 2014 Pape Clément—your price starts at just $135, with a special price break on two or more bottles. This is not a secondary market acquisition—it’s a direct bu