2018 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf

Another in a string of top vintages, Beaucastel`s 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape was produced from Grenache yields of only eight hectoliters per hectare (`normal` is about 28 hectoliters per hectare, according to Marc Perrin). The final blend I was shown is almost candied in its fruity intensity of raspberries and cherries, yet it has a potent underpinning of more savory elements, like tapenade, grilled meat and dried spices. Full-bodied, with fine, silky tannins, this shows tremendous length, reverberating with hints of crushed stone on the finish. 95-97 points