Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2014

Presentation

Presentation
Château de Beaucastel has long been regarded as one of the greatest wines in France. It is notorious for its elegance, balance and ageing potential. Beaucastel has an exceptional terroir at the Northern limit of Châteauneuf du Pape, exposed to the Mistral wind. All thirteen varieties of the appellation have been organically grown since the sixties.
The vintage
The winter in 2014 was characterised by mild temperatures for the region and heavy rainfall until mid-March. The heat and water reserves allowed an early start to the vegetation. Spring was dry until late June, with signs of hydric stress in some sectors. However flowering and fruit set were optimal, guaranteeing a great crop. The months of July and August, particularly cool and wet, slowed the cycle of the vine, forcing the winemakers to strengthen surveillance of the vineyard. Early September starts off with two lovely sunny weeks, along with an optimal maturity of the grapes.
Location
Châteauneuf du Pape, between Orange and Avignon, Château de Beaucastel red is a
70-hectare vineyard.
Terroir
Château de Beaucastel is 110 hectares, with one single plot at the north of the appellation. The terroir is archetypal of the best terroirs in Châteauneuf: rolled pebbles on the surface, sand, clay and limestone deeper down. The vines are old and have been organically grown for 50 years, which has allowed the roots to grow exceptionally deep.
Beaucastel grows all thirteen grape varieties authorized by the appellation.
Ageing
Each variety is harvested separately and manually. Vinification takes place in oak fermenters for the reductive varieties (Mourvèdre, Syrah) and in traditional enameled concrete tanks for the Oxidative grapes (all the others). Once the malolactic fermentation is finished, the Famille Perrin blends the 13 varieties. The blend is then aged in oak Foudres for a year before being bottled.
Varietals
Grenache : 30%
Mourvèdre : 30%
Vaccarèse, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Picardan, Bourboulenc, Roussanne : 15%
Counoise : 10%
Syrah : 10%
Cinsault : 5%

Advice

Serving
Around 15°C. If possible, decant the wine.
Tasting
The slow maturation of the red grapes and long vinifications provided aromatic wines with freshness and finesse. The Syrah is gorgeous and Grenache is fruity and balanced. This 2014 offers wines with lots of fruit and balance. The tannins are soft and silky, with lots of volume

Reviews

93/100
"Sporting a deep ruby color and terrific notes of blackberries, ground herbs, pepper and Provençal spice, this wine shows the more forward, charming nature of the vintage and is medium to full-bodied, pure and balanced. Drink it anytime over the coming decade..."
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91-93/100
"Deep ruby. Potent smoke- and peppery spice-tinged cherry and black raspberry aromas are complemented by suggestions of licorice, smoked meat and candied flowers. Densely packed and taut on entry, unfolding quickly to offer sweet black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors that are given vivacity and spine by juicy acidity. Concentrated yet energetic in style, offering excellent closing thrust, smooth tannins and lingering notes of sweet dark berries and spicecake."
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96/100
"A stunning example of this Southern Rhône blend with a smooth, earthy nose velvety texture and fruit-forward style; lovely, generous ripe black raspberry fruit and an exquisite finish."
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17/20
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91/100
"A solid core of kirsch and raspberry compote stands out here, with light savory, pepper and shiso leaf notes peeking in. Stays fresh and sleek through the finish, revealing an echo of warm stones at the very end. Best from 2018 through 2028."
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96/100
"This nose takes on a dominant red fruit aromatic profile that is beautifully connected with rose water accents. Less stony on the bouquet than the 2015 Beaucastel, the 2014 rendition also yields orange rind and smoked brisket aromas that make this nearly impossible to put down. The palate is both lithe and dense as the wine currently showcases Hoisin sauce, Umami, blood orange puree, red cherry syrup and black tea flavors. This is an absolute show-stopper at this juncture, showing a slightly more feminine profile than the 2015 — but this is every bit as good."
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