2020 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes
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Tasting notes
The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is made from 70 to 90-year-old vines and aged a little bit less than a year in a combination of new and old oak demi-muids . A fragrant perfume of spring blossom, jasmine, lemon peel, lime flesh, yellow apple, pear, cedar, pastry and a splash of verbena tea usher in, spoiling the palate with stunning concentration and outstanding purity of fruit. Full-bodied, rich and balanced, the sapid finish goes on for well over a minute. Make no mistake about it: the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is one of the best whites in the entire Rhône Valley and can easily compete on the world stage of pristine dry whites.
Critic scores
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Flowers, crushed rocks, peaches, tangerines, honeysuckle and spice create the attention grabbing perfume. It is the concentration that comes from the old vines paired with the creamy acidity and freshness that make this such a unique experience. The palate is oily, fruity, spicy and vibrant with a lemon, peach and mandarin orange, chalky finish that steals the show. This should age extremely well. Drink from 2026-2039.
From vines planted in 1909, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is entirely barrel-fermented and matured, half in new oak from Chassin and half in second-use steam-bent barriques from Dargaud & Jaegle. It's much like the regular Beaucastel CdP Blanc, but more—and sometimes more really is more. With waves of honeyed pear and pineapple fruit folded together on the full-bodied palate, it's creamy and rich, yet vibrant and refreshing on the long, luxurious finish. The aging curve of this wine is never easy to predict, as some vintages close up tight soon after release only to open up after several years in the cellar, while others seem to exude opulence throughout their life.
Wonderful nose of acacia honey and ripe apricot. Super-concentrated with great textural complexity, this white Chateauneuf is built on a lavish scale, but is so precise and glides off into the far distance. 100% roussanne from ancient vines. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
About the producer
This Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate is one of the Rhône’s most famous addresses. With a history stretching back to the 16th century, Beaucastel remains family owned and run, with the fifth generation of the Perrin family – Marc, Pierre, Thomas, Cécile, Charles, Matthieu and César – at the helm today.