Beaucastel has been on a terrific qualitative roll over the last four vintages and the 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape (which Francois Perrin feels is similar to the 1990 although I don’t see that as of yet) is a 15000-case blend of 30% Grenache 30% Mourvedre 10% Syrah 10% Counoise and the balance split among the other permitted varietals of the appellation. This inky/ruby/purple-colored cuvee offers a classic Beaucastel bouquet of new saddle leather cigar smoke roasted herbs black truffles underbrush and blackberry as well as cherry fruit. It is a superb earthy expression of this Mourvedre-dominated cuvee. Full-bodied and powerful it will undoubtedly close down over the next several years not to re-emerge for 7-8 years. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025.

30% grenache 30% mourvedre 10% syrah 10% counoise 10% other varietals. Just starting to get opaque at the core the aromas are still dominated by primary fruit characteristics that are untraditional expressions from what is normally encountered in Chateauneuf. Spicy herbal notes are infused into aromas of fraise dried cherry and unripe blackberry creating a more angular bouquet. The palate is starting to get supple expansive and more complex with milk chocolate flavors and textures. The tannins are finely textured components of a plush finish. Drink over the next 10-15 years.

This has fleshed out nicely, beginning to show secondary notes, with mesquite, incense and black tea now emerging from the fleshy, bundled core of plum sauce, cassis and blackberry preserves flavors. A dark tarry note on the finish is offset nicely by a mouthwatering sanguine hint.—2001 Châteauneuf-du-Pape non-blind retrospective (November 2011). Drink now through 2021. – JM