Spice, lift and zest - the hallmarks of the vintage are immediately apparent on the nose. Some woody, roasted spices are starting to take root now, along with damsons, and crushed damson stones. Rounded, rich and plush on...

What I think might end up being the best Beaucastel since the 1990 or 2001, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape offers a full-bodied, decadent style to go with awesome black and blue fruits, garrigue, licorice, crushed flowers...

Young, and filled with promise, due to its multiple layers of sweet, silky, ripe, juicy, red fruits, licorice and spice. Round in texture, if you can't keep your hands off your stash, I understand as it's tasting great...