Beaucastel gebruikt voor zijn Châteauneuf-wijn het merendeel van de 13 toegestane rassen. De 2001 bestaat uit 30% grenache, 30% mourvedre, 10% syrah, 10% counoise, 5% cinsault aangevuld met de 8 andere toegestane druivenrassen (vaccarèse, terret noir, muscardin, clairette, picpoul, picardan, bourboulenc, roussanne). Ongefilterd gaan de wijnen op fles om zo nog optimaal te kunnen ouderen.
Nog 1 doosje van 3 uit 2005!! Grand Cru van de Côte Rôtie, veel leisteen, 80-jarige (!) stokken petite serine d'ampuis, kracht, peilloze diepte en oneindige verfijning. Aards, rokerig, klein spekje (teken oude stokken). Concentratie én finesse. Aristocraat.
92 points Decanter
Outer quote mark Soft, blueberry and brambled autumn fruit – a definite hedgerow feel. This has expectedly soft tannins at this stage, moving into tertiary territory. Certainly an excellent wine for early drinking, with cigar smoke notes, even the dried tobacco leaf. This is elegant and effortless, full of classic St-Julien balance. Aged in 50% new oak. A touch of Cabernet Franc makes up the blend. Drinking Window 2018-2027. (JA) Inner quote mark (12/2017)
A light and almost burgundy in character but then opening up after 30 minutes in the glass to reveal black currant, cedar and a hint of cinnamon. 91 points Niveau: High shoulder.
WINESPECTATOR / JAMES SUCKLING (95)
What a nose here, from crushed mulberry to tanned leather to tar. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins that are soft and caressing, like cashmere. This is so tight and powerful still; it seems to be holding back.
Rene Gabriel rates this wine 19/20 points.
