CHATEAU DE BEAUCASTEL Chateauneuf-Du-Pape

The Wine Advocate: 97

Bottled only a week before my visit, I was blown away by how well Beaucastel's 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape was showing. It's full-bodied, creamy, lush and rich, with layers of raspberry fruit, garrigue and spice that unfold across a seamless palate. No doubt it will go through cycles of being open and closed throughout its lifespan, but it would be a mistake to simply order a case, put it into storage and forget about it without trying one first and swooning over the sheer lusciousness and youthful complexity.

This storied property continues to hit on all cylinders. Marc Perrin describes 2017 as "a 'Californian' kind of vintage," but also says, "It's amazing how balanced the wines are. Across the board, these are the best pair of vintages since 89/90. I love the balance … and the best word for 2016 is purity. I don't think we've done a better vintage since I'm part of it." Certainly, the wines are breathtaking at the upper levels, but the Perrin family continues to put effort into the entry-level wines as well, from the Coudelet de Beaucastel, which is always one of the top Côtes du Rhône wines, to the other wines reviewed under the Famille Perrin heading.

Vinous: 95

Deep brilliant crimson. Aromas of ripe red and dark berries, musky flowers andgarriguedevelop a spicecake nuance as the wine opens up. Juicy and seamless on the palate, offering sweet black raspberry, cherry compote, licorice and lavender pastille flavors that display superb depth as well as unlikely energy. Doesn't let up on the impressively long, spice-tinged finish, which features smoothly interwoven tannins and a lingering cherry note.

Wine Spectator: 97

Youthfully reticent, but warm and polished in feel, with a large core of cassis, raspberry and cherry puree notes lying in wait for now. Threads of red licorice, warm stone and singed mesquite and cedar emerge steadily through the lengthy finish as the fruit unwinds slowly. Concentrated yet precise. Sock this away in the cellar. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Counoise. Best from 2023 through 2040. 6,250 cases made, 3,500 cases imported.

WA: 94

Matured 100% in foudres, the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape from Château de Beaucastel evokes aromas of dark wild berries, dark cherries, spices and licorice mingled with a touch of chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, deep and dense, it’s perfectly balanced with a structured, textured and seamless mid-palate enhanced by velvety tannins and a peppery, delicate and long finish. Cesar Perrin is aiming to reduce the percentage of Syrah in favor of Counoise, so this harmonious Beaucastel, matured in foudres, is a blend of 30% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache, 10% Counoise, 5% Cinsault, 5% Terret Noir, 5% Muscardin, 5% Vaccarèse and 20% of white grapes, such as Roussanne and Clairette.

VN: 94

Intense orange rind, forest strawberry, melted licorice, black cherry and spice box introduce the delicious 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Since I last tasted it from barrel, the 2022 has mellowed significantly, now packing ripe and refined tannins that provide solid yet gentle structure to this full-bodied, finessed red Beaucastel. Finishing focused and long, this comes highly recommended.