2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge, Château de Beaucastel, Rhône

The component tasting is always instructive, but sometimes quite exacting: with the 2015, it was far from it. With the possible exception of the youthful and slightly austere Syrah, much of which had been fermented with stems, the other varietals were all gloriously expressive. From the red-fruit charm of the Cinsault and the white-pepper grip of the Counoise to the fleshy, fulsome Grenache and the smoky, blue-fruit velvet of the Mourvèdre, all was promising indeed. And the assemblage is far greater than the sum of its parts. This truly is a great Beaucastel in the offing – a wonderful expression of Provençal generosity, tempered by spice and intimations of intensely satisfactory development.

Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer

It is immediately apparent that this is a Beaucastel vintage of the highest order. The weight and density of fruit on the nose conveys this straight away, this is positively dripping with dark, ripe yet brooding fruit. On the palate this density continues unimpeded, there are waves of complexity beneath the very pure dark fruit and classical Beaucastel garrigue notes along with gunpowder and black tea. The length of finish is extremely pleasing, it marches on and on in a wonderfully fine, and dare I say unusually elegant fashion. This is a Beaucastel which will age very well, a true vin de garde. The best and most complete young Beaucastel I have tasted.

Gary Owen - Private Account Manager