Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2015

Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2015 is an extraordinary, lavishly textured, and deeply complex southern Rhône red wine crafted by the Perrin family at their legendary estate in Courthézon. Benefiting from an outstanding vintage characterized by ideal heat, timely summer rainfall, and exceptional phenolic maturity across all thirteen permitted varieties, the organically and biodynamically farmed fruit is rooted in the region's classic terroir of heat-retaining quartzite rolled pebbles (galets roulés), porous sandstone, and molasses. Vinified with minimal intervention following a brief flash-heating of the skins, the varieties were fermented separately before being assembled and matured for one year in large neutral oak foudres. In the glass, it reveals a dense, intense dark carmine-red hue with deep violet reflections. The bouquet opens with explosive, multi-dimensional aromas of ripe boysenberry, black cherries, and dark plum reduction intricately laced with garrigue herbs, cracked white and black pepper, dried violets, Turkish coffee, and warm stone minerality. On the palate, it exhibits profound depth, stacked concentration, and silky, coated tannins balanced by energetic freshness, concluding on a remarkably long, savory, and spice-laden finish.

Food Pairing: Roasted rack of lamb with rosemary, wild boar ragù, slow-braised beef short ribs, grilled venison loin, or aged farmhouse Comté cheese.

97 Points - James Suckling

All 13 grapes. This has a dark fruited, blueberry and blue plum nose with wide swinging tannins. Some white peppery elements, violets, brooding dark spices, blue fruits and dark plums. Builds from the ground up. Dark stones. Impressive, powerful. wine. Drink from 2025.

97 Points - Wine Spectator

A stunner from the get-go, with waves of thoroughly seductive boysenberry, plum, blueberry and raspberry reduction forming the core, while roasted apple wood, rooibos tea, bergamot, and anise notes flash throughout. Has plenty of bass, with a Turkish coffee accent and a hint of alder driving underneath. Everything moves in lockstep through the seriously long finish. Best from 2020 through 2045.

96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Bottled in late July, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape is an amazing effort, especially when one considers the production volume. Loaded with black cherry fruit and cola-like spice, this full-bodied, richly textured wine never seems heavy or warm, while exotic Indian spice notes linger on the finish. It should drink well for at least 20 years.