Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1998

Situated right at the Northern, Mistral wind-dominated limit of Châteauneuf-du-Pape lies Château de Beaucastel. Organically growing all thirteen varieties permitted in CNDP since the 1960's, the fifth-generation Perrin family produce stunning examples of one of Europe's most revered appellation wines. A fantastic wine, this 1998 has been expertly aged and stored, adding irresistible tertiary characteristics alongside all the full-bodied, earthy delight one expects from top-tier CNDP.

93/100 - The atypically Grenache-dominated 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape is fully mature and gives up tons of kirsch, garrigue, licorice and a touch of gaminess in its full-bodied, layered and ripe personality. More rounded and sexy than most vintages, it has no hard edges, plenty of mid-palate depth and a great finish. I see no reason to delay gratification, but it will certainly hold for 5-10 years. - Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate

93/100 - Saturated ruby-red. Superripe but reticent, grenache-dominated aromas of roasted plum, cherry jam, tar and humus. Fat, lush and stuffed with fruit; almost heavy today compared to the '99. But this is utterly silky and its firm underlying structure is buried by fruit and baby fat. Intriguing meat and licorice notes. A wine of superb finesse and superfine tannins. - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous  

18/20 - Pale ruby – first pour very clear. Very pale rim. Light but warm, slightly charred nose with the merest hint of gaminess. Clearly tertiary aromas. Very sweet palate entry. Utterly charming and no shortage of fruit. Very long and throat-soothing (which I desperately need). Planned to accompany grouse with Ch Rayas 2005. A very good bottle. - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com