2012 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape (1.5L)

“Warm raspberry and boysenberry confiture aromas and flavors are dominant in this lush, inviting style, but there's plenty of dried star anise, bay leaf, licorice root, worn leather and roasted juniper notes to fill out the chorus. The finish turns youthfully grippy, with a tarry edge holding sway and adding serious length. Try now, but cellar for maximum effect. *Highly Recommended* (JM)” (11/2015)

“Beaucastel's 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape is drinking well at the moment, with at least several more good years ahead of it. Silky and supple in feel, it easily marries hints of ripe cherries, dried spices and fine glove leather into a harmonious whole that deftly combines fruity and savory elements, then lingers elegantly on the finish. (JC)” (10/2023)

“Maybe it is this estate’s position in the cooler north of the appellation, or maybe it’s the age of the vines, organically grown for half a century, that helped them weather August’s heat wave. Whatever it was, this is an exceptional 2012, a vast expanse of rich, spicy flavor, dark and full but never heavy. The juicy black raspberry flavor is more vehicle than main event, conveying a wealth of earth, stone and herbal detail. It lasts with brightness and energy, balanced to age another 10 or 15 years in the cellar.” (02/2016)

“Opaque ruby. Potent, mineral-laced raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by suave floral and spice qualities, picking up white pepper and cola accents with air. Seamless, round and sweet on the palate, offering intense red berry preserve and floral pastille flavors with a touch of allspice. Finishes sappy and precise, with velvety tannins and a late jolt of cherry compote. (JR)” (04/2015)

“Pre-assemblage. Very dark crimson. Vibrant colour is almost black. Black olives and smoked bacon. Extremely vibrant on the nose too. Luscious ripe fruit on the front palate almost completely covers the tannins. Really quite remarkable. What a different wine from the 2011! Sumptuous. 18/20 points (JR)” (10/2013)