2007 is an exceptional vintage at Beaucastel. The wine is powerful and rich but not heavy. There is a natural elegance to this wine and the terroir of Beaucastel is very expressive in this vintage. The tannins are big but round and ripe. A Beaucastel with a long life ahead!
Presentation
Presentation
Château de Beaucastel has long been considered one of the great wines of France. It is unanimously renowned for its balance, elegance and ageing potential. Beaucastel has an extraordinary terroir at the Northern end of the appellation with heavy exposure to the Mistral. All 13 varieties of the appellation have been organically grown here since the sixties.
The vintage
A great vintage characterised by very hot days and cool nights. The wines combine great structure and fruit giving perfect balance. The tannins give great ageing potential to this vintage. A great wine to keep in your cellar.
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 authorised by the appellation.
Beaucastel grows all thirteen grape varieties authorised by the appellation.
Ageing
Each variety is harvested manually and separately. Vinification is completed in truncated oak barrels for the reductive grapes (Mourvèdre and Syrah) and in traditional tiled cement tanks for the oxidative grapes (such as Grenache). After the malolactic fermentations, the family blends the different varieties and then the wine ages 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%
Mourvèdre : 30%
Vaccarèse, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Picardan, Bourboulenc, Roussanne : 15%
Counoise : 10%
Syrah : 10%
Cinsault : 5%
Advice
Serving
15°C and if possible decant before serving.
Tasting
Colour: dark and deep ruby with purple undertones.
Nose: very rich in ripe black fruit, cherry, fig and slightly smoky.
Mouth: round and powerful, great balance between the tannins and the body, with notes of red fruit.
Good ageing potential.
Nose: very rich in ripe black fruit, cherry, fig and slightly smoky.
Mouth: round and powerful, great balance between the tannins and the body, with notes of red fruit.
Good ageing potential.
Reviews
"Heady with sent of licorice, plums, earth and spice, this wine makes good on all those promises on the palate, and does so gently but firmly, the flavors feeling light but leaving an indelible impression on the tongue.In every way the winefeels natural, effortless, as if it's a simplerepresentation of an exceptional piece of land in an excellent vintage."
"Black in colour and rich in aromasthat remind of blueberries and cassis jam, with plenty of licorice and meaty notes, all with a fine balance of acidity. A fine reflection of the hot days and cool nights that marked the vintage. So rich and manly, but with finesse and a floral, savoury undercurrent that keeps it on balance. You can drink this now, but 15 years in the cellar will build something far greater."
"Dark and fresh with some sweet spice. Ripe and generous with an underlying power. Peppery with a cool streak through the middle and a juicy freshness within that generosity. Just a hint of tar and vanilla. Then more mocha as it opens up but remains compact."
"This extremely dense red delivers layers of melted fig, mulled boysenberry and black currant fruit, all laced with notes of charred mesquite, hoisin sauce and Kenya AA coffee. The long, silky mouthfeel belies the latent power in reserve—and there's a lot of it, with waves of grip driving the finish. Best from 2010 through 2030."
"In a flattering vintage when many Rhône Valley producers made lush, almost sweet reds, Beaucastel appears to have stuck with a more classic approach. I bought this one in magnums, which keep better than the regular bottles, in the expectation of a great, long-lived vintage."
"Closed nose in its phase of austerity and retrenchment on him. However it suggests a very nice aroma of black fruits, truffles, Chinese ink and some licorice fragrance. Beautiful mature grapes that brings a freshness and complexity. The touch of mouth is taffeta, full and velvety. Undoubtedly a great wine to leave absolutely minimal age of 20 years to allow time to fully express themselves. Great art!"
"A great vintage for Chateauneuf du Pape that requires a few more years ageing to enjoy in the best conditions and make the most of the complexity and the aromatics. "
"Deep ruby in appearance. The wine shows a sharp attack and is rich and balanced, marked by intense aromas of candied fruit. A superb vintage with impressive length and a persistent finish."
"The 2007 vintage is characterised by a nice roundness. The colour is deep and dark ruby, nice complex nose, this wine shows its potential in the mouth with a beautiful freshness and powerful notes of spice and liquorice."
"The terroir has expressed itself through this vintage: an indisputable balance between elegance, finesse and power. The finish is very sweet for more gluttony. A dense and complete wine emphasized with perfection.
Can be aged for years, or open after decanting."
Can be aged for years, or open after decanting."
"Deep ruby. Powerful, pungent aromas evoke kirsch, blackberry, smoky herbs and dried flowers. Energetic, penetrating cherry and dark berry flavors are enlivened by juicy acidity and given spine by a tangy mineral quality. A floral quality sneaks in with air, along with notes of allspice and star anise. The finish is sappy, focused and very long, with herbs and flowers lingering"
