Beaucastel is one of the great renditions of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, itself one of the principal appelations in all France. One of the richest and most complex cépage allowed under Origine Contrôlée law, components of Grenache and Cinsault provide the deep colour, intensity and softness. Parcels of Mourvèdre and Syrah, Muscardin and Vaccarèse give the wine its renowned ageing potential and classic, dark fruit character. The Counoise, Picpoul and other aboriginal grapes contribute freshness, suave fragrance and distinctive aromatic qualities.

$15999each $1917DOZEN EACH DOZEN If one word could describe the wines of Beaucastel it would be that they are pure, a natural expression of the place whence they come. Diluvial alpine deposits with rolled pebbles over a former sea bed of the miocene epoch. Grapes are hand picked and hand sorted as they arrive to the winery. The skins of the whole berries are first heated to 80°C then cooled to 20°C. Maceration is traditional, in open top wooden vats for Syrah and Mouvedre, in concrete vats for the others. The separately vinified varietal components are assembled after completion of malolactic. The whole wine is then aged in large French oak casks for a year before fining with egg white. A further year's bottle age takes place under the estate cellar.

Very dark ruby colour with purple overtones. Elegant nose is intense on ripe fruits, blackberry jam and a hint of licorice. The mouth is bold and full bodied with great balance between the tannins and the flesh. An impressive vintage for today and for the future.

Pierre de Beaucastel appropriated a plot of land for himself which extended fifty two saumées at Coudoulet on the Côtes du Rhône in 1549. A tradition of fine winemaking continued at Chateau Beaucastel for centuries until 1909 when management passed to Pierre Perrin, a scientist and entrepreneur who established one of the preeminent cartels of the region. Quality of fruit, the most palatable wines and sustainable methodologies remain the focus at Beaucastel, who have used no chemical fertilisers or pesticides in their vineyards since 1964.

$4999each $597DOZEN EACH DOZEN The Coudoulet property remains an important part of the Beaucastel estate, a salubrious vineyard of thirty hectares, with diluvial alpine deposits containing rolled pebbles, over a former molasse sea bed of the miocene epoch. Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and Cinsault grapes are selectively hand picked in the vineyard and further sorted at the winery. Maceration takes place in enamel tiled vats over a period of twelve days before the free run juices are taken off, the must is treated to a light pneumatic pressing The varietal components are vinified seperately and assembled after the malolactic stage, following which the wine is matured in large, seasoned French oak casks for six months before egg white fining.

A dark red colour. The nose is elegant and spicy with overtones of pepper, cinnamon and black fruit. The palate is very elegant with soft tannins, silky texture and great acidity.