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Chateau de Beaucastel
Some would argue that Beaucastel needs no introduction, but this website aims to cater for both knowledgeable wine-lovers and beginners, and so I will continue. Beaucastel is regarded by many as one of the top estates, if not the top estate, of Châteauneuf du Pape, in the Southern Rhône Valley. And yet it is atypical for the appellation. Of all the estates in the region, Beaucastel is one of only three to plant and vinify all thirteen grape varieties permitted under Châteauneuf du Pape appellation regulations. Whereas others focus on Grenache, with a mixture of other varieties, Beaucastel uses a high proportion of Mourvèdre, matching the contribution from Grenache in the final blend.
Beaucastel also often receives criticism
for the influence of Brettanomyces, a yeast that is
present throughout the vineyard and winery, and may
impart animalistic, organic elements to the aromas and
flavours of the wine, which some may find unpleasant.
This is a contentious issue, because some attribute these
aromas to the high proportion of Mourvèdre used. As if
this were not enough, the Perrin brothers, who run
Beaucastel, also subject the must to heat on entry to the winery. This is
purportedly to prevent oxidation,
improve extraction of anthrocyanins from the grape skins, which impart colour and flavour, slows
fermentation and avoids the use of sulphur. The practice has plenty of
detractors, who recognise that this manipulation in the winery is out of keeping
with, firstly, practice elsewhere in the Châteauneuf du Pape and the Rhône
Valley as a whole and, secondly, with the concept that great wine is the result
of careful vineyard management and minimal intervention in the cellar. Despite
these concerns, with which I concur, the process does not seem to prevent the
Perrin brothers regularly creating, in my opinion, one of the top wines of
appellation.
The Perrin brothers harvest and vinify the thirteen varieties separately. Only the Syrah sees some new oak, the rest being stored in old foudres in the Beaucastel cellars, until the different components are blended in the Spring following the harvest. The bottling occurs in a single phase, a relatively recent phenomenon in the Rhône Valley, where in the past many producers would have had two or even three bottlings, effectively producing two or three different cuvées from the same vintage - although there would be no clue to this on the label.
The grand vin is named Chateau de Beaucastel, of which ten different vintages are tasted here. In my opinion this is the most significant wine produced by this estate, despite production running to perhaps 25000 cases per year. There are, however, other wines. Doubtless the most sought after is the Hommage à Jacques Perrin, a super-cuvée strong on Mourvèdre, produced in only the best vintages, commencing with the 1989. There are also two white cuvées from Beaucastel, both based on Roussanne, and bottled under the Châteauneuf du Pape AC. These are a straight white Chateau de Beaucastel Blanc, as well as a Roussanne Vieilles Vignes cuvée. The cépage for Beaucastel Blanc is 80% Roussanne and 20% Grenache Blanc, which originate from a 7 hectare plot close to the Beaucastel property, the soils of which are covered with the large galets which characterise the vineyards of Châteauneuf. After an initial sort in the vineyard followed by a second at the winery, the grapes are lightly pressed and fermented, one third in barrel, the remainder in stainless steel. After malolactic the wine is aged partly in oak and partly in vat for about eight months prior to bottling.
Good value can be had from Coudoulet de Beaucastel, a Côtes du Rhône (both red and white) produced from vines just outside the boundaries of Châteauneuf du Pape. The Perrin also run a négociant business, and decent value wines may be found here also. Initially these wines were from the Côtes du Luberon and Côtes du Rhône appellations, and sold under the name La Vieille Ferme. Now, however, there is a range of wines from appellations closer to home such as Châteauneuf du Pape and Gigondas, bottled under a variety of names. Tasting notes for these wines are also included below. (16/8/01)
Contact details:
Address: 84350 Courthézon
Telephone: +33 (0) 4 90 70 41 00
Fax: +33 (0) 4 90 70 41 19
Internet: www.beaucastel.com
Chateau de Beaucastel - Tasting Notes
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La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux 2004: Bottled under Stelvin screwcap,
from a quarter bottle. A nice cherry red hue, fading to a pink rim. Plump,
herby, sweet liquorice fruit on the nose. A little quiet on the palate, although
there is good fruit supported by a nice weight and texture, although there are
rather rustic tannins displaying a little coarseness in the endpalate. But
inexpressive. Short finish. Very commercial wine. Decent enough. 14.5/20 (July 2006)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 2003:
Very dark on inspection, and a touch glossy even. Very typical of 2003 on the
nose, rather than of Beaucastel, emitting the same roasted confit cherry fruit I
have also found in Tuscany and Bordeaux when tasting or drinking this vintage.
Notes of black pepper too, perhaps the Syrah showing through? Rich and creamy,
perhaps unsurprisingly, with lots of extract, texture and substance. Rather a
touch of bitter cherry here, on the edge, but still a broad, mouthfilling, ripe
and rich style. Loads of structure. Grippy finish. The palate is very typical of
the vintage too, then! I am unsure as to how this one will develop. 17-18?/20 (June 2007)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 2001:
Very dense, opaque and concentrated, with incredibly dense roasted cherry fruit
on the nose, pure yet feral and meaty, with fabulous intensity. This is
remarkable. Full, creamy, dense and concentrated on the palate, yet fresh and
cool, extracted, full of smoky and meaty fruit. Fabulous, broad, feral and
characterful, a remarkably rich wine, packed with extract of smoky blueberry and
just screaming potential for the future. This is an incredible vintage for
Beaucastel, and I am glad I have my other bottles safely tucked away in the
cellar. 19-19.5+/20 (June 2007)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 2001: This has a deep
colour, with a purple tinge. Wow - what an intense nose, full of slightly
rubbery dark fruits. The palate is wonderful, balanced and textured, but with
power, and perfect acidity making for a delightful fluid elegance. Tarry-ripe,
but with attractive floral notes too. Truly brilliant wine with superb potential
for the cellar. Needs 10-15 years. 19.5+/20 (July 2004)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 2001: Wonderful depth of
colour, a dark, inky purple.
Great nose - sweet Grenache cherry character, with real depth. Mourvèdre shows
through more on the palate, which is meaty with cigar box nuances. Full of
fruit, powerful, but with elegant balance. Lovely tannic structure underneath it all,
hidden by the fruit at present. Undoubtedly top wine of the tasting, north and
south. Tasted in a Southern
Rhône 2001 tasting. 19+/20 (March 2003)
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône 2001:
A dark, richly coloured wine here, showing a little change towards more mature
hues but certainly nothing of concern. The nose still has some primary cherry
fruit, but with a meaty twist. Fresh palate, with a fine backbone of tannins and
pleasantly rounded fruit. Rather firmly composed, just a little sweetness to the
texture, and a touch more elegant and reserved than when I last tasted it. Still
has plenty of life left in it. Very good indeed. 17.5/20 (February 2007)
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône 2001:
Moderate depth of colour, surprisingly showing a little early maturity at the
rim. Paradoxically very primary on the nose, showing fairly pure, quite
expressive, sweet Grenache-derived cherry fruit, partnered with nothing more
than a little meaty richness. Elegant rather than forceful concentration on the
palate, still with a bite of tannin that shows on the finish, and fairly firm
acidity; it needs a couple of hours in the glass to show its mettle, however,
revealing good extract, texture and depth through the midpalate. A little creamy
richness, with some good black cherry fruit, with notes of tar and flowers.
Reports I have heard suggesting this is a poor effort from Beaucastel are
unfounded; this is fine, although in need of air if opened now, and will be much
better in four or five years time. 18+/20 (July 2005)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc 2001:
This wine has a pale, golden-yellow hue in the glass. The nose is
delightful, full of ripe melon, peach, and pear fruit, and is loaded
with minerals. There is also a sense of a fat, rich, quality, which
certainly comes through on the palate also. Very dry, but with a fat,
rich and slightly oily texture, and a flavour profile of bitter
minerals with some stone fruit. Notes of quinine on the finish. Very
approachable now, but surely set for future development. Drink or hold
for five years at least.
18+/20 (February 2003)
Label
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2001: A blend of 30% each Marsanne, Viognier and Bourboulenc, with
10% Clairette. A mid gold hue. The nose quickly opens up here, to reveal aromas
of tropical and stone fruit salad, with notes of sweet, juicy pears and pineapple.
The palate has a velvety, rounded texture, with a touch of grip derived from a
low level of tannins, and quite shy acidity. There are flavours of sweet pear
and cherimoya fruit, with a hint of peach, and somewhat more obvious notes of
white pepper and vanilla too. Lovely. Ready now, and for drinking over the next
five years. 17/20 (April 2004)
Label
Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape 2000:
A youthful, dense, concentrated wine which has a very expressive nose. It is
filled with fruit of a ripe, cherry confit style, clean and pure, but with a
rich, feral seam in the background, and a little furry toffee (if that makes
sense!). This is really very, very enticing, and certainly holds a lot of
promise. The palate is deliciously cool, rich and broad, quite deep, firmly
acidic yet rounded and structured. It is very grippy and full of the promise
suggested by the nose. Rich, delightfully extracted, well defined and very
exciting. When stacked against 1998, 2001 and 2003, I think 2000 is an
under-rated vintage. 18.5+/20 (June 2007)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 2000: A blood red hue here,
showing an earthy tinge too. The nose is dark, earthy, meaty, with perhaps some
Brett influence. Slightly chalky tannins on the palate, although there is plenty
of texture, and lots of meaty, macerated fruit. Very supple, ripe tannins. A
big, impressive, mouthfilling wine built for the cellar. Excellent. Needs ten
years. 19+/20 (July 2004)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc 2000:
An enticing colour here, a pale golden hue
with a nuance of onion-skin. The nose offers up aromas of pears, stone fruits,
herbs and minerals. A clean and rounded layer of fruit on the palate, with
nuances of bitter herbs, minerals, quinine and blossom. A creamy texture
balanced by fresh, crisp acidity through to the finish.
16.5/20 (December 2001)
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône 2000:
A good colour here, certainly raising no concern. A clean, cherry gaminess with
a somewhat medicinal edge on the nose which is rather appealing. Clean lines on
the palate, full and rather firmly grippy, with a firm backbone of slightly
prominent alcohol and a little tannin. It has a decent texture though, with a
woody, mouth-puckering presence. Good, fresh acidity. This is certainly
preferable to the preceding two vintages, although clearly there are problems
with the bottles of the 1998 in this tasting. Nevertheless although this is
drinking well I must say I think I preferred it back in 2005, when it had so
much more character, and when it seemed a touch less angular. Drink up. 17/20 (February 2007)
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône 2000:
Dark, youthful, dense and concentrated hue. A nose of dark cherries, with floral
and tar aromas, blended with sooty raspberry fruit. Full, somewhat creamy
palate, with great extract and lovely acidity. Plump but structured, with a
delicious core of tannins, which are supple and yet firm. There are lovely
nuances of flavour popping in and out on the palate; coffee, liquorice and
cherries, in particular. Firm, sooty finish. This is super. 18+/20 (July 2005)
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône 2000: Vibrant garnet red with
moderate intensity of hue. Quite a lot of volatile acidity on the nose, with
roasting meat, and a metallic, sticking plaster element suggestive of Brett. With
time in the glass an aroma of dark cherry fruits comes to dominate. Medium bodied
on the palate, pleasantly textured, sweet and spicy cherry fruit, and quite some
tannin on the finish. Correct balance otherwise. There is a thin vein of volatile
acidity running through the palate. A raw, backward wine which needs time in the
cellar to gain some harmony, but which will be great.
17.5+/20 (February 2003)
Label
Domaines Perrin Pere et Fils Vacqueyras 2000: Good, bright, glossy colour.
Sweet blackberry jam nose. Full, rounded texture on the palate. Sweet, burnt
fruit. Low acidity, pleasantly jammy. Just a hint of volatility. Smoky finish.
For drinking soon. Tasted alongside wines of the subsequent vintage in a
Southern Rhône 2001
tasting. 15/20 (March 2003)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1999: This wine has a dense
and youthful hue, with a very dark core, and a youthful red rim. The nose has a
good complexity, and is quite feral and savage, alongside notes of meaty, cherry
fruit. The palate is rich, full and deep, with a dense and grippy character,
more so than I would have expected taking into account this is regarded as one
of the fresher of recent vintages. There is plenty of texture and substance, and
a firm acidity to balance it out. This is quite fine. 18+/20 (June 2007)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1999: From a half
bottle. The colour here is a little less dense and impressive than the preceding
wine. It looks a little more youthful though. There is plenty of Mourvèdre
character on the nose, with a sweet cured meat note alongside dense, macerated
fruit. Fabulous! There is concentration on the palate, but immediately apparent
elegance as well. Macerated Mourvèdre fruit, beautifully balanced, and a very
fluid, feather-light glide across the palate. Real finesse here. Brilliant.
Needs four or five years. 18.5+/20 (July 2004)
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône 1999:
The first bottle was corked and discarded. The second shows a mature hue - a
worrying moment. Thankfully, though, this is better than the majority of the
preceding bottles of the 1998, although it is still a touch leaner than I would
have expected. A little note of volatility here on the nose also, although it is
fairly subtle and blows off. It is rather withdrawn though, but on the palate at
least it has a texture and presence which tells you this wine is still very much
alive. The meaty gaminess of my previous tasting note has gone, and this is now
rather more subtle. It has a little elegance. I think this is good, although I
am not filled with confidence and do not plan to keep my last remaining bottle
for too long - perhaps closer to the three years (or perhaps even less) rather
than the five I suggested last time. 17/20 (February 2007)
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône 1999: A real contrast in colour here; this has a deep, vibrant, youthful red hue, with
little change in colour out at the rim. Lovely nose; immediately meaty, gamey,
tarry, floral, only with a little air showing some nuances of Grenache cherry
fruit. Great extract on the palate, with a creamy sensation, but underpinned by
very good structure. Firm tannins, fine acidity. Cherry and peppery garrigue
fruit. Even some length. This is lovely. Approachable now, but will
certainly improve over the next 3-5 years. 17+/20 (July 2005)
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône 1999:
A dense red hue, cut through with a tinge of purple. Although somewhat closed at
first, the nose opens with time, revealing very primary aromas of sweet berry
fruits. The palate has firm, chalky tannins, good minerality, and correct
acidity. There is sweet character to the fruit at this stage. Medium bodied,
with a round edge to the texture. This wine certainly has potential for 5-7
years in the cellar. 17+/20 (June 2002)
Domaines Perrin La Vieille Ferme (Côtes de Ventoux) 1999: Good intensity
of colour, with a red-purple hue. Nose is raspberries,
blueberries and spice, the blend clearly dominated by the
Grenache grape. On the palate, soft tannins with soft,
balanced acidity, and good bramble fruit and blueberry
flavours with a touch of earthy undergrowth. Quite a
clean wine, but classically Southern Rhône. Delicious. 16+/20 (May 2001)
Label
Domaines Perrin La Vieille Ferme Reserve Blanc (Côtes
du Rhône) 1999: A pale lemon yellow hue. A
surprisingly fresh nose, with grassy elements, and even a
hint of dessert grapes. The palate is full-bodied, with a
smoky edge to the lean, lemony fruit. Good acidity, but
unfortunately the oak seems poorly integrated and is
quite bitter on the end-palate. This wine may just need
more time to come together. Drinkable, but I expected
better from this famous name. 14/20 (August 2000)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1998: One of the few wines that I have subsequently acquired in
quantity, which I first tasted in an impressive mini-vertical, also taking in
the 1999, 2000 and 2001 - followed by the same vintages of Vieux Télégraphe. It
was stunning then, and on this tasting it remains so. It has only a moderately
deep, gently maturing colour. The nose does have some baked fruit elements to
it, which I commented on when I last tasted this wine, but unlike some other
wines in this tasting it is not the predominant feature. There is a twiggy,
Grenache-fruit element to it, as well as roasted meats, and exotic notes of
cloves and curry spices. The palate carries richness, but it also carries
excellent acidity, and a slightly more backward feel than many of its peers. It
has a lovely broad presence in the mouth though, and although it shows tannic
grip and definition it also has a complete although very masculine feel to it.
Delicious wine with fabulous potential for the future; I expect this will drink
well for well over a decade yet, if not for two. From a
1998 Southern Rhône
tasting. 19+/20
(February 2008)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1998:
My first bottle from my case. A deep, rich hue, a dark red-black colour, almost
opaque. The nose is already complex, showing some early secondary
characteristics. It is fury and feral, deep, rich and meaty. There is still some
primary, Grenache-cherry fruit beneath all this though. Rich, deeply flavoured
and brimming with roasted, meaty fruit, the palate has a baked, warm-vintage
character. This has a full-on structure, plenty of firm tannin, and a lingering
finish. Excellent potential, and certainly for the long haul. 19+/20 (June 2007)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1998: A youthful, deep red
hue here. The colour suggests a year or two of bottle age. A lovely nose showing
complexity; minerals, dense red fruits, with a gamy edge. A vibrant palate, with
the fruit showing purity although it has a full, rounded, gamy-tarry character.
This is textured, mouthfilling, with very ripe tannins showing on the endpalate.
Lovely acidity. In fact a very lovely wine that simply exudes class. Needs 8-10
years. 19.5+/20 (July 2004)
Perrin Les Sinards Châteauneuf du Pape 1998: From the Perrin family of
Beaucastel fame. A rich, dark,
concentrated hue, still carrying a very fine sediment despite some appropriate
decanting. On the nose it initially has a feral character, but later reveals
fleeting glimpses of ripe cherry fruit. It has a fine, defined quality to the
nose, rather like the aroma of glossy, polished cherry skins, perhaps rubbed
with black pepper and charcoal, rather than the scent of mere cherries alone.
The palate is gentle at first, but tightens up through the midpalate to show
lots of extract and some ripe, grainy tannins which give an appealing structure to the wine right
through to a slightly chewy finish. There is a balanced presence of fruit and a
well composed feel to it. To be critical it is rather soft behind the tannins,
and the acidity seems a little subdued and detached, a vintage effect I imagine, but I find it very
enjoyable nevertheless, and I think another year or two in bottle will bring
even more pleasure. From a
1998 Southern Rhône tasting. 16.5+/20
(February 2008)
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône 1998:
The opening wine was perhaps one of the worst; on pouring it
has a very mature colour, worryingly so, with a brownish tinge to the rim. The
nose is all over the place, with an awful volatility and notes of oxidation the
most dominant features. The palate has completely fallen apart, with a hot,
disjointed finish. I opened another two bottles which were less overtly over the
hill, but nevertheless were certainly not something I would choose to drink.
This experience was in marked contrast with my tasting note in 2005, and with
other contemporary tasting notes for these wines today. This is the result of
poor storage I think; if I recall correctly I did buy two small batches of the
1998 Coudoulet, which would explain why I have had some good and some bad. The
fourth bottle was fine, a complete contrast, obviously purchased at a different
time. A
lively hue, showing an orange-pink rim of maturity around a healthy red core,
and with a nose of meaty raspberry fruit. On the palate, it is sweetly textured,
rounded and complete, with a little core of tannins and grip. Just slightly
bitter towards the finish, where the wine would benefit from a little more
resolution of the tannins. Very complete, rather reminiscent (unsurprisingly) of
the grand vin from a lesser vintage - particularly the 1994. My score
refers to this final bottle. 17/20 (February 2007)
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône 1998:
Still a deeply coloured core, with some maturity, but not significant. The nose
is very Grenache dominated, offering plenty of sweet Cherry pie, peppered with
garrigue herbs. Medium body, slightly rustic cherry fruit, still quite
primary, with plenty of tannin and good acidity. It has a lovely feel and is
quite approachable now but, in my cellar, this needs more time yet. Two to three
years, perhaps. 16.5+/20 (July 2005)
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône 1998:
Opened and decanted it an hour before drinking to help it open up.
Plenty of fruit on the nose here, as well as meaty, fried beef aromas with nuances of spice,
leather and tar. Medium bodied, it has ripe but slightly chalky tannins. There is fine but
somewhat soft acidity, delicious for drinking alone but it makes the wine seem a little flabby when drunk with food.
There are loads of chewy, savoury red fruits. A little length, when the tannins become more
prominent. Despite having acidity on the low side, this wine has balance, and I feel there is
plenty of potential for improvement here. 16.5+/20 (August 2001)
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône 1998:
Another wine which I have tasted before. This time it
gives little on the nose, just the suggestion of ripe fruit. The palate shows a
good structure, supporting flavours of char grilled bell peppers and black
fruit. This is full of very primary, youthful flavours. It has style, and great
potential. From an Oddbins
tasting. 16.5+/20 (November 2001)
Domaines Perrin La Vieille Ferme Reserve Rouge (Côtes du
Rhône) 1998:There is a glossy black sheen to the
wines appearance, and the nose is dominated by raspberry
Grenache fruit. This fruit reappears on the palate, with
a silkily textured medium bodied consistency, and a
strong tannic backbone. Moderate acidity makes this food
friendly. The finish is strong, and the wine is drinking well now.
15.5+20 (August 2000)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1997:
A mature hue, with a dark and dense core, slowly fading to a dusky cherry rim.
The nose has a lot of what might be regarded as 'classic' Beaucastel character;
it has a feral, savage fruit which belies the high percentage of Mourvèdre in
the blend. In the background there is a little volatility reminiscent of
polystyrene cement - the last time I noticed a similar aroma it was in the 1995.
On the palate, it is full, textured, and shows a good weight from start to
finish. A forceful midpalate, with plenty of acid backbone although overall it
is quite nicely integrated and has an appealing balance. There is a little seam
of residual tannin beneath this. A nice wine which I think will be peaking
within the next few years. From a tasting of the
1997 Vintage at ten years
of age. 17+/20 (December 2007)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1997:
Deeply coloured, and very characterful on the nose, this is smoky, feral and
furry, and has a more savage, farmyardy character than I can ever remember from
previous tastings of this vintage. On the palate it is full, very rich, quite
creamy, but also rather brutally youthful. It has plenty of grip, and is brawny
in style, with good notes of pickling spices. Over this there is a plush,
textured, almost velvety layer of fruit. It still has bags of potential for the
cellar., but needs another 3-5 years minimum, but should drink very well after
that. 17+/20 (June 2007)
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône 1997: A deep red wine, with just the
barest amber hint of maturity. Plenty of fruit on the nose, smouldering
charcoal, cigar smoke and roasted herbs. Lovely texture on the palate. Mouth
filling, with an appealingly low acidity. Wonderful flavours, black cherries
and macerated summer fruits, and more of that smoky character. Not at all flabby
despite that low acidity, with lovely structure coming from firm, unyielding
tannins. A full fat finish. It's remarkable that this wine should suddenly
appear in a supermarket, quite mature and ready to drink. Certainly excellent value for money.
16.5/20 (June 2002)
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône 1997:
There are some fresh aromas here, of charred wood, rubber and sweet black fruit.
More lovely fresh black fruit on the palate, with a good although somewhat
prominent tannic structure. Fresh acidity. This is a stylish Rhône wine which
has development potential. 16.5/20 (August 2001)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1996:
Lots of colour here, and a complex tertiary nose, showing some Brett. Notes of
sticking plaster with a deep, characterful, animalistic trait, and nuances of
stony black olive. This has a much more obvious character than on any previous
tasting. A nice weight on the palate, filled to the brim with Brett though, and
with a sweet, mature, slightly stewed edge to the fruit, and some midpalate
roasted meats. Rich for the vintage, rounded, but a little tinny on the finish.
And a bit raw here too. Good, but for drinking up soon I think. 16.5/20 (June 2007)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1996:
A moderate depth of colour, with a very attractive, maturing, ruby red hue. A
little volatility at first, very high toned and leathery on the nose, but then
giving a more complete array of aromas with appealing depth for what is always
regarded as a weak vintage for Châteauneuf du Pape. Leathery, baked red fruit,
sweet and mature, with little notes of bacon, the high toned character now part
of a very appealing nose rather than sitting awkwardly apart from everything
else. Elegant, rounded, complete entry, showing a little leanness and bareness
of structure on the palate, but it has a very nice style. There is a little
caramelised, sweet edge to the fruit, a quite broad acidic structure, but an
appealing, marrowy texture. Impressive for the vintage, and even better than I
remember it. From a 1996
vintage ten years on tasting. 17/20 (December 2006)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1996:
Decanted for one hour. Obviously more mature in colour than my last tasting - a
big change from the opaque colour last seen. Initially animal fur nose, then
baked fruit, with little highlights of raspberry and strawberry. Starts off a
little lean, with slightly prominent acidity, but it changes quite a bit in the
glass developing a fairly rich feel, and then that acidity seems entirely
appropriate. Sweet, slightly meaty, baked fruit. Just a tweak of tannin towards
the finish. Quite fine for a lesser vintage. Ready now but will drink for a
decade I think. 16.5+/20 (August 2004)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1996: Another almost opaque
wine. Very young wine. Lots of unintegrated caramel and toffee
aromas, with massive, brooding fruit and a touch of
coffee. The palate is just gorgeous, with velvety yet
powerful fruit. More toffee, coffee and caramel flavours.
Balanced components, with tannins surprisingly only
showing up on the finish. Peppery length. I could
understand people drinking this now, but it really needs
a year or two of integration before I will open any of
mine. 16.5+/20 (August 2001)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1995:
This has a good depth of colour, quite dense. On the nose it seems rather hot
and smoky, with burnt cherry fruit, with a sweet, liquorice edge. It doesn't
have the profound volatility found back in 2004 (I can still smell that wine
now). A lovely texture on he palate, firm and structured, precise and grippy.
Rather svelte, with sweet cherry notes, and little in the way of depth or
complexity. Rounded, concentrated, lots of potential here, but playing a little
dumb on this tasting. 17.5+/20 (June 2007)
Chateau de Beaucastel
Châteauneuf du Pape 1995: Dark hue, very little sediment. A very pungent
animal fur nose at first, although this characteristic soon yields to allow in
other nuances, but it holds on to this animalistic, meaty style. None of the
polystyrene cement that dominated when I tasted this in 2004; it never ceases to
amaze me how one wine can exhibit such differing aromas as it evolves. Lovely
elegant presence on entry, showing a fine weight through the midpalate, with
reserved, balanced style. It has the fruit and substance for continued
development, and there is some obvious youthful tannin showing at the finish.
Great length though, and
starting to give lots of pleasure now. From a
1995 vintage ten years on
tasting. 18+/20 (December 2005)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1995: A dense, rich yet
maturing colour. A very unusual nose - an aroma of polystyrene cement which is
off-putting to say the least. Iodine and red fruits in the background. Good
structure on the palate - although the unusual flavour makes it difficult to
drink at present. It has firm tannins and a lovely balance. Needs time to come
out of what is hopefully just an awkward phase. A couple more years in the
cellar required here. From a
1995 Southern Rhône tasting. 17.5+/20 (February 2004)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1995: As with the 1994,
almost opaque. This
is more elegant, with none of the caramel or toffee seen
in the previous wine, although it still has plump, lush
fruit. At first it seems quite approachable on the palate
as there is, as the nose suggested, a luxurious texture
to the fruit. There are, however, some quite aggressive
tannins through the midpalate. Although seeming quite
loose-knit at present, this wine has the underlying
acidity to balance out all this fruit and tannin. 17.5+/20 (August 2001)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1994:
Obviously mature appearance, although still a lot of colour here. Some acetone
volatile acidity on the nose, with medicinal calamine lotion and black olive
aromas, but also dark and gamey, with liquorice, aniseed and a little rubber. An
appealing, lifted nose indeed. Well defined palate, with roasted meat character.
There is volatility here also, an attractive part of the whole package, which is
bright, incisive, grippy, with a nice, rich extract. This is certainly much
better than my last bottle, especially as the wine opens out over the course of
the evening. Delicious, and ready to go now. 17+/20 (June 2007)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1994: I was intent on cracking open the first from my case of the 1998; young
I know, but what's the harm when you have a dozen? When I saw it buried beneath
twenty other cases, however, I settled on the 1994, which was much more
accessible. Good colour, a deep core, maturing rim. The nose displays a little
disjointed alcohol, but this is more than compensated for by the meaty, furry,
black olive character that is also present. Medium bodied, correct acidity, full
and pleasing mouthfeel. Rather firm, just a little solid through the midpalate,
but plenty of smoky, garriguey, underbrush appeal too. Very ripe, together,
not-quite-seamless style, with some length. Very little development since my
last tasting. Very good. From my 2006
Birthday Treats. 16.5+/20 (March 2006)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1994: Some volatility at first, but this soon
dissipates. Moderate depth of colour, a burnt cherry red, with just a thin rim
of age, so certainly some development here. Mature, meaty, animalistic nose,
with notes of beef stock, cinnamon and paprika. Lovely texture on entry although
certainly not lush as on my last tasting, but it has a good, sweet, rounded
edge. Firm structure beneath still. Good flavour, culminating in a sweet
raspberry finish. Nice length. Early drinking window - should go for five to ten
years yet. A
Christmas Wine. 16.5+/20 (December 2004)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1994: This is a youthful looking red-purple
wine. The nose is at first quite medicinal, but this blows off to leave
gamey, animalistic notes. With time the sweet Grenache fruit also shows
well. The palate is big, soft and round, lush even. The tannins are
integrating well, but show through the midpalate and finish. A
high-toned acetone note to what little fruit is showing in the mouth,
but some nice peppery acidity suggests this wine will go the distance. From a
Southern Rhône 1994
blind tasting. 17+/20 (February 2002)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1994: Almost opaque. The
most advanced wine of this flight, showing some gamy
notes, hints of dark chocolate and green pepper aromas.
More lush fruit on entry, and a tannic midpalate.
Nevertheless this wine has elegance and good balance.
Some complex pickling spices. The richness of texture
persists right through to the finish. Another potentially
superb wine. 17+/20 (August 2001)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1991: This
is a fairly mature looking, quite pale red wine. Smoky
leather and sweet fruit on the nose, leading to a full
and rich palate, quite sweet and rich, with peppery
fruit. Good although perhaps a touch too prominent
acidity. Drying endpalate and finish. Drinking well know
but very unlikely to improve. This is a vintage recognised as being rich in
Brettanomyces. Drink up! 15.5/20 (August 2001)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1990: Similarly rich colour.
Intense fruit, rich with aromas of roasted garrigue herbs, with
nuances of ink and wet stones. A rich and hedonistic wine
on entry, with an immediately apparent full and velvety
texture. Despite its age this big and muscular wine still
has a wealth of tannins, but with fine acidity and such
rich fruit this wine will go the distance. Ripe fruits,
with some aromatic, almost floral notes. A spicy, tannic
finish, and some considerable length. This wine is still
on the way up, and should be superb. 18.5+/20 (August 2001)
Chateau de Beaucastel
Châteauneuf du Pape 1990: A rich, deep, mahogany red, by far the most richly
coloured wine in this flight. Peppery black fruit on the nose. The palate has
sweet, richly spicy and aromatic black fruit. Superb tannins and acidity.
Tannins still very noticeable on the finish. From a
1990 Vintage Ten Years On
tasting. 17.5+/20 (December 2000)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1989: A similar rich, saturated red-purple
hue. This wine seems to have more secondary aromas than the
previous two. Quite gamy, even farmyardy.
Nevertheless, there is also a floral freshness to the
abundance of rich, dark and smoky fruits. On the palate,
this is again a charming and fruit-laden wine. Coffee
grounds and spice towards the finish, and more spice and
a bucketful of tannins on the length. Another wine that
will be superb with further bottle age. 18.5+/20 (August 2001)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf
du Pape 1989: Bags of fruit on the nose. Tannic palate, awash with fruit,
not showing its age at all. Some spicy notes. Quite alcoholic. Finishes well
with good length. This wine still has great potential. From a
Châteauneuf du Pape 1989
blind tasting. 17.5+/20 (July 2000)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1988: A rich, saturated red-purple hue. This
wine is also loaded with fruit. It has an elegant nose,
which offers enticing wisps of violets and game, but
otherwise does seem a little dumb. The palate, however,
is very expressive, full of charm, with delightful,
vibrant fruit and roasted herbs. This has less tannin
than the 1990, although they do show on the finish. There
is a hedonistic, luxurious texture underpinned with
correct acidity. Finishes very well indeed, leading to an
incredible, gamy length. 18/20 (August 2001)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1985: Only
just the palest wine of the flight, with a red-mahogany
hue. Despite this, again the nose is loaded with lush,
leafy fruit. There are nuances of ink, game and rubber.
Nevertheless the fruit is fading from the palate, which
has more gamy and leathery secondary characteristics. A
nicely structured wine, with a velvety texture and
correct supporting acidity. The tannins have all but
disappeared, just showing a little on the finish,
together with a tiny flourish of sweet fruit. Quite a
length. 18/20 (August 2001)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1983: This
wine looks very different, only slightly darker than the
1981, but a much more youthful red-purple hue. Loaded
with fruit on the nose, with an edge of wet pebbles and
stones. Freshly ground coffee. This wine seems so young!
If I didn't know this was a wine from the early 1980s I
would have thought it about five years old just on the
nose. The palate doesn't really alter this impression,
with plenty of rich and smoky black and red fruits. It is
quite tightly held together, although smooth and finely
textured, with balanced acidity. Tannins show up on the
midpalate and finish leading to a great length. This wine
has years ahead of it. 18.5+/20 (August 2001)
Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1981: A
richly coloured mahogany wine, impressive after the 1991.
On the nose, complex secondary aromas of rubber and
leather armchairs. There are gamy, animalistic notes,
with marmite and an organic, grainy, animal-feed, yeast
extract aroma. Quite full on entry, with more gamy,
animal-like flavours and lovely red fruits. There are
soft, integrated tannins, with perfectly correct acidity
and a full, rich texture. Good balance has seen this wine
through, and it finishes very well with a slightly
peppery length. 18/20 (August 2001)
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