The inaugural vintage of this cuvée, the 2000 Esprit de Beaucastel is still drinking well, though in this era, it represented about two-thirds of the estate's production, as opposed to the more selective 15% or so that it represents today; the oldest vines were also merely six years old. The wine offers up a complex bouquet of cherries, currants, thyme, lavender and sweet soil. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, open-knit and savory, with chalky tannins and a sapid finish. This doesn't boast the concentration or intensity of later vintages, but it's a beautifully characterful and complete debut offering that should continue to drink well for another 5 or 6 years. - William Kelley