1998 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Region: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, Rhône, France
Surprise bottle at the end of the tasting. A real treat. Garnet red with medium intensity and quite a bit of sediment. Layered nose with soft blackberries, soft black cherries, and a soft undertone of provenance herbs (lavender). Palate floats right across your tongue with some light red cherries, some toasted wood and a little leather. Still solid moderate tannins (5.5/10) and well integrated with the solid acidity. Medium to light bodied with great structure and texture. Moderate plus finish with a dryness to it.
Beaucastel uses all thirteen grape varieties authorised by the appellation. A true Southern Rhone blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, 5% Cinsault and the remaining 15% spread over Vaccarèse, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Picardan, Bourboulenc, and Roussanne. Ages together for 12 months in French oak prior to bottling.
2016 till 2020.
Price Point:
$$$ - $85.00.