2017 Chateau de Beaucastel
$92.99
Winery Notes:
The 2017 vintage has a deep color. The pure and elegant nose suggests cherries, blackcurrants, spices, with floral notes, aromatic herbs (Bayleaf) and chocolate. The mouth is elegant, the tannins are ripe and fine, beautifully dense and concentrated structure, a seductive velvety texture enhanced with finely spicy fruit. The finish is long, held by elegant and coated tannins, harmonious and very persistent (fruit, spice, floral notes). A great vintage!
Critical Acclaim:
“95 – 97 points.
“A tremendous effort, might Beaucastel’s 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape outshine even the 2016? I tasted a preliminary blend that Marc Perrin said represented 80% of the wine, and it showed ridiculous floral and fresh aromas of licorice, lavender and spice, all backed by tremendous fruit that went beyond black and red and into hints of exotic stone fruit. The final blend will likely contain more than 10% Counoise, the highest proportion ever utilized at the estate. It’s rich and concentrated yet silky and lithe, with a fantastically long, elegant finish.” – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“95 – 97 points.
“Moving to the two Châteauneuf-du-Pape releases and 35% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 12% Counoise, the rest other permitted varieties (Marc calls this a Mourvèdre vintage), the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape sports an inky purple color as well as a textbook Mourvèdre nose of black, black fruits, smoked meats, crushed rocks, charcoal, and pepper. It’s deep and full-bodied, with beautiful purity and building structure. Production is down 40%, but this brilliant wine is certainly in the same league as the 2016.” -Jeb Dunnuck
“95 points.
“The Grenache and Cinsault are fermented in cement, while the Syrah and Mourvèdre are in foudre. Finely pixellated fruits of the forest aromas with a full bodied but fresh and lively palate. The Mourvèdre element is strong, bringing vibrancy and power. It’s firmly savoury, very dry and dramatic. A seriously structured Beaucastel for the long term.” – Decanter
“95 points.
“A dark and winey style, offering a mix of plum, black currant and black cherry notes, infused with black tea, fruitcake and anise accents. Solidly built, vibrant and energetic from start to finish, this carries copious fruit easily through the lengthy finish. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Counoise. Best from 2020 through 2040.” – Wine Spectator