The Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape opens up to near black in color in the glass. On the nose, the wine is very delicate and powerful at the same time, red fruit, black currants, blackberries, spices, thyme and lavender. The bouquet is very elegant, rich and round. Figs, cherries, black currants and stewed fruit, all with a great acidity. The tannins are present but very delicate.

Château de Beaucastel has long been considered as one of the greatest wines in France; probably the most famous and certainly one of the very best properties in Châteauneuf. It is known for its elegance, balance and aging potential. Beaucastel has an exceptional terroir at the northern limit of the appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, exposed to the mistral wind. All thirteen varieties of the appellation have been grown organically since the sixties.

Critical Acclaim

RP94

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Reminiscent of a lighter weight 2009, the 2011 Châteauneuf-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.

WS94

Wine Spectator

Very sleek and refined despite the obvious heft, featuring steeped red and black currant fruit studded with bergamot, blood orange, sweet tobacco and alder notes. The long, racy finish has a lovely echo of singed mesquite.

WE94

Wine Enthusiast

An impressive wine by any measure, this shows ample complexity in its mix of black cherry, dark earth and briery notes. The tannins frame the wine's opulent fruit, while remaining wonderfully unobtrusive. This should drink well for at least 15 years from the vintage.

W&S93

Wine & Spirits

Although the hot spring and cool, wet July of 2011 made for some challenges (yields were down 50 percent from 2010), this is a lush and inviting vintage of Beaucastel. It stands out not only for the exuberance of its cassis flavor but its purity; if that flavor were a color, it'd be cadmium red. While it should hold well in the cellar for a few years, it is so appealing now it's hard to think of a reason to wait.