Like many ancient chateaux, Chateau Pape-Clement has undergone significant upgrading and modernization since the 1980s, and is now in quality the equivalent of a Medoc second growth. An excellent choice for its classic rich, earthy Graves bouquet of black fruits, minerals, and cigar box tobacco, Chateau Pape-Clement is drinkable at an earlier age than many red Bordeaux. With its relatively high proportion of 30% Merlot, it is usually ready to drink by five years after the vintage, but in better years easily improves for over twenty years -- a smooth, supple, even opulent wine at all ages.