Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf Du Pape 2023

97 POINTS

James Suckling

Dense licorice and forest berry aromas mask the deep tannin structure of this Chateauneuf-du-Pape masterpiece. Full-bodied but with a lightness of touch. Then the power and stony intensity pour over you in a giant wave. The freshness is extraordinary for this hot and dry vintage. Serious tannins in the very long, compact and refined finish. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2027.

96 POINTS

Matt Walls - Decanter

A tasting of the constituent parts this year, so this is a provisional score. The Terret Noir, Muscardin and Vaccarèse were fermented together; they provide the more fragrant top notes, bright and attractive if not deep. The Cinsault was perfumed and fresh, with fine tannins. The Counoise was more savoury, with more depth and tannin; tense and saline, and spicy thanks to 50% whole-bunch fermentation. The Grenache was soft and supple, fairly dark in colour, quite structured, with impressive freshness, tannins and acidity. The Syrah was deep, intense, black-fruited and peppery – quite potent in alcohol, with intense tannins. The Mourvèdre will be 30% of the blend, contributing mouthcoating, deep and succulent tannins, plenty of flesh and quite high alcohol. The overall impression is a deliciously rich and ripe Beaucastel, not as structured as the 2022, that is likely to score around 95-96 once blended and bottled.

95 POINTS

Yohan Castaing

As usual, the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape from Château de Beaucastel was matured in foudres. Wafting from the glass with aromas of pepper, garrigue, dark berries and flowers, it’s mediumto full-bodied, round and sappy, with a layered core of fruit and a dense, precise mid-palate framed by velvety tannins, concluding with a firmer, gently spicy finish.

95 POINTS

Wine Spectator

Dark and dense, showing real power and concentration. Offers more than just ripe fruit, with violet, blackberry and plum cruising alongside black pepper, salt-cured meat, toasted spices and a ballast of solid iron. Gutsy in feel, with pleasing chewiness, this ripples with energy through the youthfully tight finish. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise, Vaccarèse, Terret, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Bourboulenc, Picardan and Roussanne. B14,160 cases made.

94 POINTS

Yohan Castaing - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

As usual, the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape from Château de Beaucastel was matured in foudres. Wafting from the glass with aromas of pepper, garrigue, dark berries and flowers, it’s medium- to full-bodied, round and sappy, with a layered core of fruit and a dense, precise mid-palate framed by velvety tannins, concluding with a firmer, gently spicy finish.