Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge 2010 Case (1.5Lx6)

97 DE / 96 WS / 96 WE / 96 JS / 95 WA / 94 VM / 94 JD / 18 JR

According to François Perrin this was the perfect year, with rain at the perfect time and an Indian summer in September. This is so graceful, with blackberry aromas and black olive notes. It’s fleshy and expressive, with no lack of grip and tension. The fruit profile on the palate mirrors that on the nose. This masterpiece is vivid and harmonious with a chalky acidity and remarkable length. One to forget in the cellar for at least two decades.-Christine Guibert, Decanter

Dark, dense and very closed now, this has a tremendous core of crushed plum, linzer torte and blackberry confiture waiting in reserve. Ample singed cedar and mesquite, warm paving stone and black tea notes lurk in the background and glide through the finish. Features serious grip, but wonderful integration. Should cruise in the cellar. Best from 2016 through 2035. 7,500 cases made, 4,500 cases imported.-James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

The 2010 Beaucastel is a tour de force, brilliantly combining espresso and black olive notes with bright raspberry fruit, while dark earthy notes provide a solid base. The feel on the palate is ample, with tannins that are a bit dusty but not tough or chewy. The long, mouthwatering finish bodes well for the future. Drink now–2030.-Joe Czerwinski, Wine Enthusiast

Stunning nose, in which deep red-fruit character is married to meaty, spicy and caramel aromas. Powerful and very well structured, the tannins still very present, but the overwhelming impression is of elegance. Very long, dry finish with plenty of stony minerality. Gives a very good idea of the direction that the best 2020s will take. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.-James Suckling

Interestingly enough, even though many of the 2010 Perrin et Fils selections from the southern Rhone were scheduled to be bottled right after my visit, the 2010 Beaucastel had already been put in bottle. This is a gorgeous wine, a classic blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and the balance the other permitted varietals in the appellation. Deep purple, with loads of bouquet garni, beef blood, blackberry, kirsch, smoke and truffle, this wine is full-bodied, rich and showing even better than it did last year. I still think it needs 3-5 years of cellaring, and it should last for 25-30 years, as most of the top vintages of Beaucastel do.-Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

Bright ruby. Sexy, spice- and mineral-accented aromas of red and dark fruit preserves and garrigue. Juicy and expansive on the palate, offering vibrant black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors, a hint of smokiness and intense minerality. Tannins come on late and are quickly sucked up by this wine's intense fruit. Rich and lively, with excellent finishing clarity and length.-Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media

A wine compared to the 2015 by Marc Perrin, the 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is already drinking nicely, with notable complexity and depth in its garrigue, sweet spice, incense, and both black cherry and currant-like fruit. The 2010s are just now starting to open up and drink well, and this full-bodied effort has impressive purity, notable mid-palate density, and ripe tannin, all suggesting it has a long life ahead of it.-Jeb Dunnuck

Very dense and meaty on the nose. Appetising and no shortage of flesh but no heavy sweetness or alcohol. Really quite racy! Complex. Real lift and line through it. -Jancis Robinson