On Sale: $54.94 (was: $59.94)*
Domaine de Beaurenard might take the prize for being one of the most consistently top performing estates in Châteauneuf du Pape, as they started estate bottling about a century ago, and can’t seem to put a foot wrong. This tried and true property boasts “an extraordinary track record of making wine” (Parker), and with two dozen vineyard plots throughout the AOC, Beaurenard has managed the impressive feat of transitioning to biodynamics over the past decade. This classic cuvee is the kind of Chateauneuf du Pape that critics and somms like to hoard for themselves because the style leans towards the classic, muscular Chateauneuf that makes full use of the wide range of varieties planted in the Southern Rhone. This 2018 is no slouch, and in fact, “promises to be longer lived than most 2018s” (Decanter), so this is a great option to grab one for tonight, and a few to stash away for the long haul!
Domaine de Beaurenard is now on its eighth generation of family ownership by the Coulons, with brothers Daniel and Frédéric continuing the family tradition. Given their history in the region, it’s no surprise they have over 80 acres in Châteauneuf du Pape, all biodynamic, which goes a long way to explaining their “impressive, nearly unmatched record of quality” (Parker). This cuvee makes use of the varied terroir found throughout the AOC, which combine to make a perfectly balanced style of wine. It’s a “rock-solid offering” (Wine Spectator), and one with 15 years of potential ahead!
94 points, Decanter: "Darkly coloured, deeply fruited - a promising start. Dense, concentrated and fairly tannic but with good freshness and great vibrancy of fruit. This has all it needs to age...A very good, classic, fresh clean style, not overly polished, but it has more energy than most in this vintage...(Drink between 2021-2036)"
93 points, Wine Spectator: "This is a rock-solid offering, with a core of dark fresh plum, succulent raspberry and gently steeped blackberry fruit flavors lined with graphite, anise and wood spice accents. Shows solid grip and nice energy for cellaring. Best from 2022 through 2035."
*Offer publication date September 28, 2021. Pricing and availability subject to change.