2021 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape [D96][V93-95][JS94][JD94]

Producer: Chateau de Beaucastel 
Region: Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France 
Blend: 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Counoise, 5% Syrah, 5% Cinsaut and other permitted varieties 
Year: 2021 

Decanter, 96 Points 

"A deep, quite herbal expression, with liquorice and crushed blueberries to the cassis fruit. Full-bodied, powerfully fruited, dense and deep. Really mouthcoating, intense fruit. The tannins are ripe, fine and plentiful, all saturated in blackberry juice on a long finish. Certainly one of the more successful Châteauneufs this year. Will age well. A Mourvèdre-led expression of Beaucastel - it contains more than usual, at least 35% and probably more. Grenache and Cinsault fermented in cement, Syrah and Mourvèdre fermented in foudre." 

Vinous, 93-95 Points 

"Coming in at 14% alcohol, the 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Counoise, 5% Syrah, 5% Cinsaut and other permitted varieties. The result is magnificent, wafting from the glass with fragrant aromas of juicy red fruits mingling with hints of black cherry, mint, garrigue and a pinch of white pepper. Full-bodied and layered, ever-so-velvety tannins wrap this elegant-to-the-core polished red, before concluding with a bright finish."  

James Suckling, 94 Points 

"Still a little closed, so the fruit is a bit reserved, but there are already meaty, lavender and rosemary aromas. Well-structured and crisp, the tannins building steadily as it flows over the palate. The concentrated and ripe red fruit is very deftly wrapped around the core. Long, spicy, and licorice finish. Drink from release. From organically grown grapes." 

Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points 

"Including more Mourvèdre than usual (40%), the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape sports a deep ruby/purple hue as well as an utterly classic Beaucastel nose of ripe red and blue fruits, spice, game, truffly earth, and ground pepper. Reminding me of the 2012, it's medium to full-bodied, has a layered, concentrated md-palate, sweet tannins, and a great finish." 

Alcohol: 14.5% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.