Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge 2021 (750ML)

96 DE / 93-95 VM / 94 WA / 94 JS / 94 JD / 94 WS / 17.5 JR

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. - Matt Walls, Decanter

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. -- Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous Media

The 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape ratchets up the intensity from the Coudelet, adding more pronounced Mourvèdre-derived notes of truffle and tree bark to go with ripe black cherries and plums, crushed stone and hints of dark chocolate. Full-bodied in the mouth, with ample concentration and richness, this gently tannic wine finishes long and velvety, with echoes of licorice and dark fruit. It's a standout from a difficult vintage. - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

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. - James Suckling

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, its medium to full-bodied, has a layered, concentrated md-palate, sweet tannins, and a great finish. - Jeb Dunnuck

Toasty, meaty and inviting, this fresh red shows an understated, savory side, with notes of singed spices, mesquite, wet earth and fresh tobacco leaf flanking a silky range of plum and warm cherry compote flavors. This channels its terroir, with a round feel held in check by refined tannins, while the finish is lined with cool minerality and heavy iron. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise, Vaccarèse, Terret Blanc, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul de Pinet, Bourboulenc, Picardan and Roussanne. Drink now through 2030. - KB, Wine Spectator

Cask sample. Very inviting nose, liquorice, dark crushed cassis, leather, strawberry jam – earthy dark spice. A supple and ripe palate with good freshness and acidity throughout. Tight and fine, firm tannins, dark fruits, liquorice, thyme and a ripe savoury-tinged finish. Wonderful. - Jancis Robinson