Critics Ratings

2000:
‘The opaque ruby/purple-colored 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape offers a profoundly sweet perfume of melted licorice, blackberries, and black cherries backed up by loads of glycerin, full body, and moderately high but sweet, well-integrated tannin. There is a seamlessness to the 2000 that will make it accessible early in life, and thus atypical for Beaucastel. The 1985 behaved in this manner when young, but the 2000 possesses even more stuffing. Like its 2001 sibling, it is a classic blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and the balance other permitted varietals. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025.’ – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 94/100 (Feb 2003)

'Dried fruit, musty, dank aromas – not in a tainted way, but certainly shows its age. The fruit stays intact on the palate with dried cherry and bramble jam, plus chocolate, seared beef and pepper spice. I’d be tempted to enjoy this soon.' - Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Oct 2018)

'A sunshine vintage resulting in early harvesting at the end of August. Reasonably sweet on the nose, with jammy red and black fruit aromas and spice notes. The palate is full-bodied and round with a fine acidity and subtle oak character. Precise, with depth of fruit and well-integrated tannins.' - Decanter.com, 94/100 (Feb 2003)

‘Red-ruby. Roasted aromas of black fruits, leather, maple syrup and mocha. Initially a bit tight on the palate, but showed a lush, seamless texture as it opened in the glass, without losing its definition. Not quite as dense as the 2001 but very full in the mouth, with a higher-pH impression. Finishes very long, with the ripe tannins coating the front teeth.’ – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 93/100 (Jan 2003)

2003:
'One of the big names of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and this wine justifies the fame of the Perrin family’s property. It is a rich style, but, more importantly, it is beautifully made, structured, dense, with red jelly fruits, a touch of vanilla and a fat, full-bodied, but firm aftertaste. This is a wine for aging—give it at least five years before touching it.' - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 95/100 (Dec 2005)

'Young and tight, with garrigue and roasted game aromas peeking out from a core of ripe black currant, plum and fig fruit. Lots of toast tobacco and iron as well. The finish is well-endowed with tannins, but they are ripe and pure.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 94/100 (May 2006)

'Bricky garnet. Smells very mature with its rich, seductive undergrowth and cigar-box peppery spice. Extremely inviting. Rounded and still a little chewy in the mouth but surprisingly fresh for a warm vintage.' - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Oct 2021)

'Deep, dense red color. Vibrant aromas of aromas of cherry, wild herbs, fresh flowers and minerals. Energetic and sweet, showing no overripe qualities; offers a silky, suave texture and wonderfully pure red berry, fresh plum, kirsch and fig flavors. Those with an aversion to the funky, gamey character that can characterize Beaucastel in "typical" vintages owe it to themselves to check this out. Clearly, the Perrins know what to do with Grenache, even if it's not their favorite grape.' - Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 93/100 (Jan 2006)

Provenance

Private Client