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Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge - 2023

AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vallée du Rhône, France

"César Perrin poured me various different samples to convey an approximate idea of what the final blend of the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape will taste like. A foudre that blends 50% Grenache with the remainder equally divided between Counoise and Cinsaut showed subtle spice, licorice and forest strawberry alongside gentle tannins. Another sample mingling Terret Noir, Muscardin and Vaccarèse presented excellent freshness, while the subsequent single-varietal Grenache snippet was totally alluring. A Syrah portion that used 50% whole clusters during fermentation provided minty shadings, stemminess and, again, very smooth tannins. Finally, a single-varietal Mourvèdre sample brought structure and fleshiness to the table. All in all, readers can look forward to yet another outstanding red Beaucastel with the potential to match or even outperform the delicious 2022."

"Component parts and their approximate percentages of the final blend follow, though the blend is not yet finalised. Sample 1: Terret Noir, Muscardin and Vaccarèse (5–10% of the blend) Supple, rounded and ripe with succulent sweet tannins. Attractive, will give roundness. Sample 2: Cinsault (5–10% of the blend) Lovely fine tannins and a waxiness, tight and lovely length. Sample 3: Counoise (10% of the blend, 50% whole bunch) Round, supple Counoise is the last grape variety to be harvested – has real poise, elegance and finesse, super-fine tannins. Sample 4: Grenache (30% of the blend) Brooding, deep and wild palate with real structure and density. The tannins again are very fine and layered, taut and long finish. Sample 5: Syrah (5–10% of the blend) Wild and spiced nose. The palate has notes of baked earth, spice and leather. Something funky here for sure! Sample 6: Mourvèdre (30% the blend) Beautiful nose of liquorice and spice with garrigue and wild and spiced notes as well. Fascinating to taste these component parts and to see what adds to the blend. I expect this to all blend beautifully, with a suppleness and finesse to it. Expect a very, very good Beaucastel from 2023. Drink 2030 – 2045"