1988 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape

“Château de Beaucastel, along with Château Rayas, was formerly one of the two greatest estates in the region, but it has changed its style in recent times and lost its way. However, back in the late 1980s, this domaine was at the absolute top of its game and their 1988 bottling is drinking stunning well at age thirty, with a complex bouquet that wafts from the glass in a complex and tertiary mix of red and dark berries, sous bois, roasted venison, pepper, balsam bough and a topnote of bonfires. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and perfectly balanced, with a fine core, stunning soil signature, modest tannins and a very long, very complex and stellar finish. “Exhibit A” of just how great the top wines of Châteauneuf du Pape used to be!” (03/2019)

“This bottle of 1988 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape started out reserved and muted, only to open up beautifully in the glass over the evening. Subtle garrigue, rose petal, and meaty aromas are supported by surprisingly fresh, mature red fruits on the nose. The overall mature feel carries over to the palate where the wine is medium bodied with perfect integration and a seamless, long finish.” (03/2011)

“This has a charming, rustic nose of leather, candlewax, black pepper and a touch of peat. The palate is cohesive and harmonious, not in the same league as the ensuing couple of vintages but with good poise and definition, notes of ripe black cherries, blueberry and iodine with vibrant acidity lending it a clean crisp finish. Perhaps a little linear compared to others but still a great, mature CdP that is a joy to drink rather than intellectualize about. (NM)” (12/1999)

“Elegant and understated, with lovely fruit and structure. Has an excellent deep color, with focused black cherry and refined spice aromas, a full body of refined tannins and spice and berry flavors.” (10/1991)