Chateau de Beaucastel, located in Courthezon in the Southern Rhone Valley, has over 250 acres of organic vineyards. Unlike many Rhone Valley producers, Beaucastel grows all 13 of the grapes permitted in the appellation and the estate uses an unusually high percentage of Mourvèdre in its red wines, usually around 30%, along with 30% Grenache and smaller amounts of Syrah, Counoise, Cinsault, Vaccarese and Muscardin. The estate’s most prestigious wine, Hommage a Jacques Perrin, is made with 70% Mourvedre. Several families have owned the estate over the course of its 400-year history and the present owners are the Perrin family, whose ownership of the estate dates to 1909.
Ruby red in color. 13.5% ABV. Stunning nose of red fruits, garrigue, herbes de Provence and wet asphalt. Medium body with perfect acidity. Structure and concentration in spades. The fruit is abundant and savory. Kirsch, olive brine, blood, raspberry and roasted herbs on the palate. The finish is long and supple. Classic old school CdP from an iconic vintage. In the conversation for best Beaucastel ever made. Best over the next several years.
My rating: 96 points
Current vintages of Beaucastel including the ’21 are widely available at retail and a good buy in the $100 range.