2011 Chateau de Beaucastel Rouge, Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Reminiscent of a lighter weight 2009, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape offers up a sweet bouquet of spiced black cherries, plum, truffle, saddle leather and underbrush. Coming from tiny yields (which were down 50% from 2010), this medium to full-bodied 2011 is gorgeously textured and has solid mid-palate depth, terrific purity of fruit and ripe tannin. Relatively approachable and enjoyable even now, it should nevertheless evolve gracefully for 15-20 years. Drink 2015-2031.
94 points – Jeb Dunnuck (Wine Advocate #209, Oct 2013)

The 2011 Beaucastel, which is an identical blend, is the result of an incredibly severe triage because of the irregularity of ripening essentially across all varieties in 2011. The wine displays some tannin, is medium to full-bodied, with lots of Provencal herbs, pepper, incense, blueberry and black currant fruit. It seemed to me that the Mourvedre was showing through strongly when I tasted it. The wine is long, rich, not one of the great vintages by any means, but still very well-made. This wine will need 2-3 years of cellaring and drink well for 15 or more. Drink: 2014-2029.
89-92 points – Robert Parker (WIne Advocate #203, Oct 2012)

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.

(based on roughly 50% mourvedre this year): Inky ruby. Powerful, expressive aromas of red- and blackcurrant, cherry and licorice, with suave anise and floral overtones. Juicy and precise, with tangy red and dark berry flavors, supple texture and a strong mineral note on the back. Spicy on the finish, which shows very good focus and length. This is impressively elegant and should be drinkable on the young side.

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)