2022 Chateau de Beaucastel Rouge, Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Dark and inky in colour this year. It’s fresh in its berry fruits, really quite powerful, with muscular tannins and driving acidity behind. A dense, dark and brooding vintage of Beaucastel. The aromatic precision however is extremely impressive: elderberry, sloe and blackberry. It’s solid and will age well. Do not drink this young, as it will likely disappoint if opened too early. Grenache and Cinsault fermented in cement, Syrah and Mourvèdre fermented in foudres. Syrah and Counoise are whole bunch fermented.

Intense orange rind, forest strawberry, melted licorice, black cherry and spice box introduce the delicious 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Since I last tasted it from barrel, the 2022 has mellowed significantly, now packing ripe and refined tannins that provide solid yet gentle structure to this full-bodied, finessed red Beaucastel. Finishing focused and long, this comes highly recommended.

Matured 100% in foudres, the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape from Château de Beaucastel evokes aromas of dark wild berries, dark cherries, spices and licorice mingled with a touch of chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, deep and dense, it’s perfectly balanced with a structured, textured and seamless mid-palate enhanced by velvety tannins and a peppery, delicate and long finish. Cesar Perrin is aiming to reduce the percentage of Syrah in favor of Counoise, so this harmonious Beaucastel, matured in foudres, is a blend of 30% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache, 10% Counoise, 5% Cinsault, 5% Terret Noir, 5% Muscardin, 5% Vaccarèse and 20% of white grapes, such as Roussanne and Clairette.

Cask sample. Incredibly juicy nose – black tea, leather and spiced notes as well. The palate is rounded, sleek and plush. There is so much density on the palate. Supple mid palate and a meaty note on the rich finish. There is good, fresh acidity here as well, with a weightiness to the palate but balanced by the fresh acidity. Complex and impressive! (AC)