October 7, 2024
Everything you could possibly want in a bottle of Châteaunef...
"Whether you choose their traditional white or red Châteauneuf-du-Pape or indulge in their special cuvées you are in for a treat. Everything you could possibly look for in a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape—aromatic complexity elegance richness balance intensity persistence—you will discover in Château de Beaucastel’s wines" - Vinous, Nicolas Greinacher
Beaucastel is a legendary name in the world of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Known for its commitment to traditional winemaking and organic practices, the estate has consistently produced some of the finest wines in the Rhône Valley. The 2020 vintage continues this legacy, showcasing the estate's expertise in blending Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and other permitted varieties, including a notable proportion of white grapes.
The 2020 vintage in the South Rhône began with a mild winter and warm spring, leading to an early bud burst and a summer with beneficial rainfall. This combination resulted in healthy, concentrated grapes, showcasing vibrant fruit and balance. The wines display remarkable complexity, with many achieving high scores from critics. Leading Rhone aficionado Jeb Dunnuck summarises the vintage nicely for us; "The 2020s appear to be pure, elegant, medium to full-bodied wines that excel on their balance and freshness while still showing beautiful depth of fruit."
The 2020 Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a stunning expression of the region, showcasing a vibrant medley of aromas that leap from the glass. It opens with dense black-fruit notes, beautifully interwoven with hints of licorice and an intriguing spice profile that adds depth. On the palate, it’s both powerful and elegant, featuring a rich texture complemented by smooth, polished tannins. Flavours of ripe forest strawberries, blackcurrants, and raspberries dominate, with nuances of cured meat and dried herbs providing complexity. The wine’s lively acidity balances its full-bodied character, leading to a long, savory finish that leaves a lasting impression.
This vintage exemplifies the exceptional quality that Beaucastel is known for, making it a remarkable addition to any collection.
Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2020
95-97 Points | Wine Advocate
Beaucastel's 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape is shaping up as a blend of 30% each Grenache and Mourvèdre, with 10% each Counoise and Syrah, plus 20% other permitted varieties, including a healthy proportion of white grapes. Complex and red-fruited, with hints of flowers and garrigue, it's expansive and richly textured on the palate, finishing long and silky.
97 Points | James Suckling
Very dense black-fruit aromas, but also licorice, an entire microcosm of spice and a whiff of smoked bacon. Very dense and meaty with an incredible tannin structure that enables this to be simultaneously very big and elegant. Super-long finish with enormous mineral freshness. Drink or hold.
96 Points | Decanter, Matt Walls
Fresh and bright nose, then a palate with exceptionally smooth and fine tannins, lovely acidity and notes of blackberry and raspberry juice. Particularly fine, elegant and balanced this year. Grenache and Cinsault fermented in cement, Syrah and Mourvèdre fermented in foudre.
95 Points | Vinous
The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape displays pronounced aromas of ripe forest strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, blackcurrant, licorice, mint, cured meat, dried herbs and hints of tobacco. On the palate it is full-bodied, concentrated, muscular and framed by polished tannins. Lively acids perfectly balance it, ending with excellent persistence on the savory finish. Producing this high level of quality with a whopping 180,000 bottles is remarkable in the context of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.