Château de Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Rhône
1979
Levels: two 2.5cm, one 3cm (3)
1981
Levels: 4cm; lightly bin soiled labels (4)
1989
Level: bottom neck (1)
1998 (3)
11 bottles per lot

Type: Red Wine
Grape Varietal: Grenache/Syrah Blend
Country: France
Region: Rhône

Noah's Pick
Older Beaucastel is known for its wild, singular nature, and faint whiff of the farmyard. Yes – there may be some brett, but it adds to the wine’s mystery and old world charm.

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ABOUT THE WINE
One of the longest lived of all Chateâuneuf-du-Papes, the domaine was founded in 1549 by Pierre de Beaucastel as a simple hovel. The large 270 acre vineyard is meticulously organically farmed and while other growers are gravitating solely toward Grenache; Mourvèdre is championed and lesser, though distinct grapes, such as Counoise, Muscardin, and Vaccarese are given their due. The regular cuvee of Beaucastel generally contains one third Mourvèdre. Indeed, it is one of the few major estates to still contain all thirteen permitted varietals for the appellation. The cepage combined with a playful amount of brettanamyces gives an unusual flavor profile of dark roasted fruits, merdre, mushrooms and saddle leather. Though a popular and marketable label, it is clearly not a wine for everyone and generally Beaucastel draws a strong reaction one way or the other.