Cellar Diving in the Southern Rhone!

2010 Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape

97 Points Decanter

A “Tour de Force!” from “the perfect year”

$780.00 per case of 6 x 750ML (ETA 3-7 days) - Buy Now

$2,100.00 per case of 6 x 1.5L (ETA 3-7 days) - Buy Now

I occasionally go cellar diving for gems we have that maybe got overlooked. But while normally the “cellar” I speak of is the temperature-controlled warehouse where most of our wine is stored, in this case I went diving into the recent cellar we acquired that features an extensive list of pristine and mature vintages.

And while in there I found these (perfectly stored) cases of 2010 Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape in both 750ml and magnum, and even one case of 1998 as well! Based on the notes it looks like they are either ready to drink now, or perhaps leave in your cellar for another decade or so. These are full cases only, and limited to the few that are stashed away in the cellar!

2010 Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge

$780.00 per case of 6 x 750ML

(ETA 3-7 days) - Buy Now

$2,100.00 per case of 6 x 1.5L

(ETA 3-7 days) - Buy Now

97 DE / 96 WS / 96 WE / 96 JS / 95 WA

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

1998 Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge

$2,340.00 per case of 12 x 750ML (ETA 3-7 days) - Buy Now

97 DE / 96 WE / 96 WA / 95 JD / 95 WS / 93 VM / 18 JR

Comfortably still in its mature window, with old leather, blackberry jam and some whiffs of hung game. Enjoyably chewy tannins still, this is still powerful, with good length. Time to drink up now, but no hurry.-Matt Walls, Decanter

A big, rich wine with huge amounts of fruit oozing out of the glass. Great concentration and intensity, with licorice flavors from the Mourvèdre, finishing with chewy tannins. A great year for this wine, which should age well for 15 to 20 years.-Wine Enthusiast

The 1998 is unquestionably one of the great modern day Beaucastels, but because of its high Grenache content, it is different from some of the other classics.-Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

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