Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Clos Floridène – 2021
Graves, Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷

Overview
Founded by the late Denis Dubourdieu, Clos Floridène has built a reputation for producing approachable yet refined wines from Graves. This 2021 vintage is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, delivering structure with easy drinkability. (Educational note: Graves, one of Bordeaux’s oldest appellations, is famed for its gravel soils that add freshness and balance to its reds and whites.)

Aromas & Flavors
Juicy red fruits (cherry, raspberry, plum) with blackberry and cassis, framed by cedar, oak spice, and a subtle earthy note.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with polished tannins and balanced acidity. Solid yet affable structure, making it an effortless “uncork and pour” wine.

Food Pairings
Great with roasted chicken, duck breast, grilled lamb chops, or charcuterie. Also pairs with earthy mushroom dishes or semi-aged cheeses.

Verdict
A charming Graves red — approachable, structured, and thoroughly enjoyable. The 2021 Clos Floridène captures Left Bank elegance in a wine ready to drink today. 🍷

Did You Know?
Clos Floridène was founded in 1982 and guided by Denis Dubourdieu, one of Bordeaux’s most respected enologists, often called the “pope of white wine.” — 9 months ago

Alexandre Pagliano

9.2

Great mineral red made by the pope of the whites in Burgundy. All the pinot stuff you might want with transparency and balance. Svelte and elegant and truly recommended. — 5 years ago

with Matt and Adriana

Dimes

9.3

Very fire and thick bottomed — 6 years ago

Brian S

8.9

Violets, cassis and smoke. 64% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 1% Counoise. Vineyard situated in several parts of Chateauneuf-du-Pape called Lea Saintes Vierges, La Font du Pape and La Crau Ouest. On the label we honor Jean XXII. Native of Cahors, he was the first pope to Avignon as residence. As well, he planted the papal vineyards and ordered to build a new castle (chateau neuf) in the place that should become Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Hand picked and sorted, whole bunch fermentation with punching down for gentle extraction. 18 months in oak wooden tanks. — 8 years ago

Dawn Ducharme

8.9

Chocolate? Black cherry or some other dark berries. 16.99 from wf on sale. Smooth, hardly any tannins. Cork says "indulgence granted", cute. — 9 years ago

Lamar Hannah

9.6

A classic. — 10 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Deep dark red with aromas of black fruits and complex spice. Some of the grapes were sourced from Pope Valley adding complex depth to the wine. On the palate rich blackberry and blueberry flavors, great mouthfeel, with tobacco and cedar notes. Full-bodied, well balanced, fine tannins in a firm lingering finish gives this wine backbone to age well for another decade.

— 10 years ago

Thien Bui

9.1

Love any wines that come from the house of the Pope with little time in Bolted love It can't go wrong with it — 3 years ago

Todd S. Hill

9.1

Crisp bite — 5 years ago

with Wendy

Leah Zimmerman

8.9

This is the red I almost always want. I picture Olivia Pope drinking this with her popcorn. It is super juicy, peppery, floral, fragrant af. — 5 years ago

Anthony Pro

9.2

When there’s a pope hat etched into the bottle... You know it’s going to be good. — 8 years ago

Miron Boris

10

DrB enjoyed this wine bottles on 2008 th on April 21st, 2018 - great taste! — 8 years ago

Liza Anne Trinidad

9.7

An excellent 2012 Sangiovese from a small winemaker in Glen Ellen (and a former general contractor who retired to make fab wines). We had it at a local restaurant in July 2013 and just had to visit the winery before leaving wine country ( & it was mid morning) and we were impressed...we have been hooked since then. Uncorking this amazing bottle for tonight's dinner is a celebration of over 4 years of great times and a new chapter! — 9 years ago

with Ben

Lawrence Asrikin

8.9

As the name suggests, this is some sort of tribute to Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Central Coast of California. It offers similar style and value to wines from Southern Rhône. It has slightly less earthiness you generally expect of wine of this style. The Pope should definitely consider moving the papacy to Central California, at least for 5-10 years :-) — 10 years ago

Eunyoung Cho

10

Really good! Just the right amount of sweetness and sourness!! — 3 years ago

Scott E. Becker

9.1

[Tasted on October 12, 2022 at The Optimist in Nashville with Jay]

Purchased wine during visit to the winery in September 2022. Cabernet sourced from Pope Valley with 2% Petit Verdot. Black cherry, strawberry candy and blackberry fruit, with chocolate, graphite, caramel and spice. Lush wine. More black cherry driven than 2018 vintage. — 4 years ago

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.1

Ran out of white & rose’ on the hottest weekend of the year🤷🏼‍♂️ next best thing is Chilled Sangiovese.
— 6 years ago

Jeffrey Long

9.5

Cigar City Space Pope. Work of fucking art. Hits the spot after a long day of betting the ponies at Belmont. — 8 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.2

This checks a lot of boxes when it comes to a stellar Tuesday night bottle... under $30... high quality producer... high alcohol... Napa Valley... and straightforward in its approach, but enough complexity to satisfy the curious. It’s sourced from two Napa vineyards, one with century old vines in Calistoga and another on the backside of Howell Mountain in the hills of Pope Valley. Ripe blueberry with a bramble edge that hints at jam without being over the top. While the fruit takes center stage, there are layers of coffee, vanilla, tea, and cedar, with a chewy grip on the palate. — 9 years ago

Garrett Oliver

9.5

Not O'Hanlon's - the original brewery, Eldridge Pope. 1992, and one of the more profound beers I've ever tasted. — 9 years ago