Opaque ruby. Deep-pitched black and blue fruit liqueur aromas are complemented by suggestions of liquorice and cola. Broad, sweet and fleshy, offering concentrated blackberry and boysenberry flavours enlivened by juicy acidity and a peppery spice nuance. Tightens up slowly on the youthfully tannic, focused finish, which clings with resonating spiciness and outstanding tenacity. 92 points

The 2013 Chateauneuf du Pape is a beauty and has a rare level of concentration and depth in the vintage. Blueberry, crushed flowers, pepper, and violet aromas and flavors flow nicely to a medium to full-bodied, structured and tannic Beaucastel that has impressive purity and plenty of length. It’s not massive, but still needs 4-5 years of cellaring and will keep for a decade after that. 93 points