Château de Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018

An exceptional example of Beaucastel which tasted en primeur like a wine that could be enjoyed straight away. A wine with quite incredible potential. Sweet fruit with incredible concentration but never remotely too much. Decide for yourself!

Drinking Dates: 2022 to 2036

Cépagement: 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, 5% Cinsault, 15% other varieties

Soil: Molasse seabed of the Miocene period covered by diluvial alpine deposits (rolled pebbles).

Upbringing: Handpicked in small cases, sorting of the grapes, pneumatic pressing, settling of the juice, fermentation (30% in oak barrels, 70% in tanks) for 8 months. Bottling after 8 months.

ABV: 14.5%

'This is a towering, muscular Beaucastel this year with more depth, intensity and black fruit, pushing towards blackcurrant. It’s very dense and extremely concentrated in 2018, more than most but it has the energy and the vibrancy to thrust it front and forward ending with a saline finish. Grenache and Cinsault fermented in cement, Syrah and Mourvèdre fermented in foudre. Drinking Window 2026 - 2036' 96/100 (Matt Walls, Decanter)

'The 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape has slightly less Grenache than normal (10%) and has a Mourvèdre-dominated bouquet of blue fruits, crushed violets, charred meats, and a distinct minerality. This was a challenging vintage, particularly for Grenache, yet this estate has produced a brilliant wine that has medium to full body, a layered, deep, concentrated mid-palate, ripe tannins, and a gorgeous finish. As with most 2018s, it’s going to have plenty of upfront appeal, yet I suspect it will also age gracefully.' 94-96/100 (jebdunnock.com)

'Deep ruby-red. Ripe dark berries, cherry liqueur and hints of garrigue, smoked meat and potpourri on the mineral-accented nose. Palate-staining black currant and cherry pie flavors show excellent clarity, chewy texture and a hint of spicecake that builds as the wine opens up. The energetic, impressively long finish repeats the floral and dark fruit notes, and youthfully chewy tannins add shape and solid closing grip.' 92-94/100 (vinous.com)