2010 Chateau de Beaucastel en primeur

23 Nov 2011

2010 Chateau de Beaucastel en primeur

“One of the Rhone's greatest and most distinctive wines” - Robert Parker's The World's Greatest Wine Estates

Beaucastel and the Perrin family who own it are gems in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape tiara and have feet in both ancient and modern camps. They used to stand out in a sea of mediocrity, now they achieve the harder feat of standing out from the growing number of excellent producers in the village. One of only three producers in the region to use all thirteen permitted grape varieties, and with a larger than usual proportion of Mourvedre characterising the traditional wines here, Beaucastel's reds have a depth and complexity hard to match in the region. The whites have changed a little over the last few years however, with the malo now blocked on all of them, leading to fresher wines when young and like the reds, still with an amazing ability to age.

As is becoming more usual these days, the 2010 Rhone campaign has been underway in stealth mode for a little while now. Loyal followers have taken all the Clos des Papes but a few cases of Vieux Telegraphe are still available, though stocks of their wines are low. /CW

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, October 2011:

'The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc (80% Roussanne and 20% Grenache Blanc vinified in tank) exhibits very good acidity along with a lighter, more delicate style than previous vintages (malolactic is now totally blocked), and restrained orange peel, tangerine oil, white peach, honeysuckle and candle wax notes. This medium to full-bodied, zesty, fresh wine is still backward and unevolved, so cellar it for 1-2 years and drink it over the following 10+. 90 points.'

'As usual, the 2010 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet red is a blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and the rest Syrah, Counoise and other permitted varietals. It possesses crisp, tart acids, a fresh, lively, Burgundian-like personality, and plenty of red and black currants intermixed with sweet and sour cherries, earth, smoke, garrigue and unsmoked tobacco. The red is capable of lasting 20 years. 88-90 points.'

'The Chateau Beaucastel 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape is a classic blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and the balance other permitted varietals. Surprisingly ripe and soft with a dense ruby/purple color as well as lots of blueberry, scorched earth and blackberry notes intermixed with hints of roast beef and bouquet garni, this wine has structure, but the fruit dominates at present. By the standards of most top vintages of Beaucastel, this cuvee will be drinkable earlier than the normal ten years. I suspect it will put on more weight, so give it 5-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following three decades. 92-94+ points.'

Offered subject to confirmation for shipment winter 2012/13