91-Points by James Suckling.
This is the 2019 blend. It is aged 1/3 in barrel and is a blend of 2/3 current vintage (2019) and 1/3 the previous vintage which is why this is a non-vintage wine. A non-vintage red from the great Chateauneuf producer of Clos des Papes. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Marsalan, Merlot and Carignan that comes from vines located near the Rhone River, it’s a brilliant bistro-styled wine that dishes out tons of pleasure. Aged one-third in barrel, with tobacco, chocolate, mineral, pepper and licorice, this medium-bodied wine has solid richness and depth, as well as a chewy finish. Buy it by the case and enjoy it over the coming 4-5 years.
 
Paul Avril Clos des Papes is a highly regarded wine producer in the southern Rhône appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Established by Paul Avril in the early 20th Century, the estate makes one of the most sought-after wines in the region: Clos des Papes.
The estate is made up of 24 small plots throughout the appellation totalling 32 hectares (79 acres). All of the 13 permitted grape varieties in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation are grown in these vineyards, although Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah are the most important in terms of production.
Picking is spread out to ensure maximum quality, and green harvests and strict berry selection ensure a low yield. Clos des Papes takes its name from one of its plots: a walled vineyard  located near the ruins of the 14th Century Papal castle.
There are two main wines associated with Clos des Papes: a red and a white wine. The red accounts for 90 percent of production and typically contains 65 percent Grenache, 20 percent Mourvèdre and 10 percent Syrah, with the remainder made up of the other permitted Châteauneuf-du-Pape varieties.
The wine is known for its finesse and elegance, and is one of the most important wines in the AOC. The Clos des Papes blanc is made up of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Picpoul, and is aged in stainless steel. 
The estate, now run by Paul-Vincent Avril, also produces a Côtes du Rhône Villages Massif d'Uchaux as well as Le Petit Vin d'Avril red and white Vin de Table wines from declassified Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Clos des Papes makes around 100,000 bottles a year, most of which is exported.