2009 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Château de Beaucastel
About Producer
Organic since 1950 and biodynamic since 1974, Beaucastel vineyards cover 100ha on sandstone overlaid by rocks, stone and limestone soil. The origins of the property trace back to 1549 when Pierre de Beaucastel bought a barn with a plot of land at Coudoulet. Wines were produced here until the phylloxera infestation. In 1909, Pierre Tramier acquired the estate and replanted the vineyard, before handing over to his son-in-law Pierre Perrin. A pioneer and visionary figure, Jacques Perrin, Pierre’s son, expanded the domaine in the 1960s and brought Beaucastel to fame. Today, the family estate is managed by Jean-Pierre and François Perrin, Jacques’ sons, and their children, representing the 5th generation.
Varietals
Blend of all the 13 grape varieties allowed by the appellation: 30% grenache, 30% mourvèdre, 10% syrah, 10% counoise, 5% cinsault and small amount of 8 other varieties.
About Appellation
Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tradition and history are inextricably entwined with the Avignon Papacy. Prior to the 14th century, vineyards were owned in the region by the bishops of Avignon, but mostly for local consumption produce. Things drastically changed following the decision of Pope Clement V, former Archbishop of Bordeaux, to move the papal court in 1309 to Avignon. Said to be great lovers of Burgundy wines, Clement V and his successor John XXII also did much to improve local viticultural practices to such an extent that wines from the area became known as 'Vin du Pape', under John XXII. The appellation currently covers around 3,150ha of vineyards spread over five distinct terroirs between the towns of Avignon and Orange. A total of thirteen grape varieties are allowed to be used in red and white wines, with grenache (black, grey and white) being the star player, and often syrah, mourvèdre and cinsault in supporting roles.
Tasting Notes
Captivating nose of dark fruits, kirsch, plum preserve, smoked meat, leather, cigar box, baking spices, garrigue herbs and freshly tilled soil, luscious mouthfeel with unctuous texture, broad structure and excellent depth, multilayered flavours of black cherry, raspberry, cassis, roasted fig, dark chocolate and liquorice intermingled with forest floor undertones, well-judged acidity and fine-grained tannins carrying through a long, fleshy finish. Stunningly youthful at 15 years old, this is a sensational wine brimming with assertive personality, aromatic complexity and expressive energy that bears witness to the very ripe 2009 vintage. Cloaking its controlled opulence and intensity in stylish poise, it’s dense and succulent yet everything is deftly held in perfect balance. Give it a few more years to soften its ebullient verve, and this will morph into one of the greatest Beaucastel produced over the last 20 years. (03/2024)