The 2017 Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape is a well-regarded red wine from the Southern Rhone region of France, produced by Chateau de Beaucastel. This vintage is a proprietary blend, incorporating a variety of grapes, with a notable emphasis on Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Syrah. The wine has been described as being full-bodied and rich by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, which awarded it a score of 94, and noted its potential to age well for over 15 years. The Advocate's review mentions that the wine may initially appear reticent on the nose but opens up to reveal complex aromas of black olives, asphalt, black cherries, and briery spice, complemented by velvety tannins.
James Suckling also rated the wine 94, highlighting the maturity and richness brought by the Roussanne in the blend. He described it as concentrated and fleshy, with a phenolic structure that enhances its length, suggesting it be consumed within the next eight years. Jeb Dunnuck, awarding it a score of 95, praised its classic, Provençal style, with aromas of garrigue, leather, and peppery spice, stating that it would benefit from several years of aging and could last for two decades.
Decanter also awarded the wine 95 points, noting its finely pixellated fruits and emphasis on Mourvèdre, resulting in a vibrant and powerful wine that's structured for long-term aging. Wine Spectator shared similar sentiments, describing it as dark and winey, with a mix of plum, black currant, and black cherry, infused with spices and a vibrant finish, recommending it for consumption between 2020 and 2040.
Overall, the 2017 Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape is a structured, complex wine with a rich tapestry of flavors and aromas, designed to age gracefully and develop further complexity over time.