1978 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape
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Tasting notes
Just a gorgeous bottle, the 1978 Châteauneuf Du Pape shows a lively ruby and translucent hue with a brilliant perfume of sweet red fruits, herbes de Provence, leather, and assorted spices. It's medium-bodied, with a supple, layered mouthfeel, resolved tannins, plenty of sweet fruit, and a great finish. From one of the greatest vintages ever for the Rhône Valley, this is clearly fully mature (the 1978s were noted to be very tannic on release) and just a beautiful drink today. Count yourself lucky if you have bottles and they've been well stored, as with all wines at this age, there are no great wines, only great bottles.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Pinot-pale. Extraordinary nose – fully mature, but still with pep in its step. Yes, it's a rustic/farmy sort of style, but done with such utter conviction and intensity, you can't fault it. Very delicate for Châteauneuf in fact. Still going strong – would love to see what happens to this in a few more years!
Pinot-pale. Extraordinary nose – fully mature, but still with pep in its step. Yes, it's a rustic/farmy sort of style, but done with such utter conviction and intensity, you can't fault it. Very delicate for Châteauneuf in fact. Still going strong – would love to see what happens to this in a few more years! (RH)
The 1978 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Château de Beaucastel came up first, poured completely blind. I believe this is the last vintage of Jacques Perrin. It shows moderate bricking commensurate with its age, and an endearing, mellow bouquet of Earl Grey, pressed flowers, mulberry and touches of clove. The medium-bodied palate is a little rustic compared to modern-day Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but beautifully balanced with supple tannins that once were tough, and fleshy, with an animally, leather and hung game finish that slaps a big fat smile on your face. This is a wonderful wine that, if kept in good conditions like this, could give at least another decade of drinking pleasure.
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.