Chateau de Beaucastel Rouge, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2017

30% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Counoise, 15% Vaccarèse, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul Blanc, Picardan, Bourboulenc, Roussanne and Cinsault. Grenache and Cinsault fermented in cement, Syrah and Mourvèdre fermented in foudre.

There's richness and amplitude to the forest berry fruits, blackberry, raspberry, and blackcurrant bush. Amplitude on the palate is very generous and mouth-filling, with enough acidity to meet the alcohol, which doesn't feel excessive. Tannins are much more rounded and buffed compared to the Coudoulet. There's a good sense of freshness; it feels quite dynamic on the palate for such a concentrated, structured vintage of Beaucastel; the Mourvèdre makes itself known. Very good, but still very young; I would hold until 2027 before opening, though there's certainly a pleasure to be had now.

Drink 2027 - 2040

The maturity of the Roussanne is immediately apparent with such richness, ripeness, and attractive fleshy drive on the palate, as well as a phenolic structure that sustains the length handsomely. Concentrated and super fleshy.

Drink over the next eight years.