2011 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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Tasting notes
Showing attractive aged notes of black truffle balanced against red raspberries, Beaucastel's medium to full-bodied 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape appears to be at its peak. Silky and elegant, it's not a huge powerhouse but is a charming effort that remains reasonably fresh. It should drink well for the rest of this decade.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, 5% Cinsault, plus Vaccarèse, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Picardan, Bourboulenc and Roussanne. Slightly awkward age where the tertiary characteristics haven't yet emerged, but the fruit already seems fairly dry. Heavy, earthy finish with drying tannins. Leave it another year to hope for better things? (RH)
Deep ruby. Dark berries, dried cherry, anise and lavender on the highly perfumed nose. Offers intense cassis and bitter cherry flavors with sexy floral pastille and spicecake nuances. Aeration brings out a smoky quality that carries through the long, smooth, gently tannic finish. There's 40% mourvedre here but I wouldn't have guessed it based on this wine's forward, voluptuous character. (JR)
About the producer
This Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate is one of the Rhône’s most famous addresses. With a history stretching back to the 16th century, Beaucastel remains family owned and run, with the fifth generation of the Perrin family – Marc, Pierre, Thomas, Cécile, Charles, Matthieu and César – at the helm today.