2006 Beaucastel Chateauneuf Du Pape Proprietary Blend

2006 Beaucastel Chateauneuf Du Pape

95 RP

Featured Review

As I stated last year, there is no Hommage a Jacques Perrin in 2006, but Beaucastel’s 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape is performing even better from bottle than it did last year. Its dense plum/ruby/purple color is followed by a big, sweet perfume of black truffles, camphor, earth, incense, new saddle leather, and loads of peppery, blackberry, and herb-infused, meaty, black cherry fruit. Deep, full-bodied, and dense, with sweet tannin, this explosively rich Chateauneuf is a stronger effort than the 2005, 2004, or 2003. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028. Beaucastel and its subsidiary wines marketed under the Perrin et Fils moniker are consistently among the bright shining stars of France. I have been visiting this estate for nearly thirty years, and over that time I have seen all the elements of what makes wines great – an incredible respect for the vineyards, a conscientious, uncompromising work ethic, and extraordinary passion for gentle handling of fruit from their sites. Brothers Jean-Pierre and Francois Perrin seem to be gradually inching closer to retirement as their sons take more and more of a front row seat in the running of this outstanding estate. This is a marvelous portfolio of wines, from the extraordinary values, to the top-end world classics. While one could say this is as traditionally run estate as can be found in western Europe, the Perrins are remarkably flexible if they sense that quality can be improved. Quality rises dramatically with the Perrin et Fils cuvees. The Cotes du Rhone Reserve wines are produced primarily from the estate vineyards at Grand Prebois and Vinsobres, with some purchased fruit from such Cotes du Rhone appellations as St.-Gervais. Marc Perrin, who is responsible for winemaking at Perrin et Fils, seems to go from strength to strength with this line of wines, which includes negociant bottlings as well as some from estate vineyards in Vinsobres. Robert Parker

Robert Parker | 95 RP

As I stated last year, there is no Hommage a Jacques Perrin in 2006, but Beaucastel’s 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape is performing even better from bottle than it did last year. Its dense plum/ruby/purple color is followed by a big, sweet perfume of black truffles, camphor, earth, incense, new saddle leather, and loads of peppery, blackberry, and herb-infused, meaty, black cherry fruit. Deep, full-bodied, and dense, with sweet tannin, this explosively rich Chateauneuf is a stronger effort than the 2005, 2004, or 2003. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028.

Beaucastel and its subsidiary wines marketed under the Perrin et Fils moniker are consistently among the bright shining stars of France. I have been visiting this estate for nearly thirty years, and over that time I have seen all the elements of what makes wines great – an incredible respect for the vineyards, a conscientious, uncompromising work ethic, and extraordinary passion for gentle handling of fruit from their sites. Brothers Jean-Pierre and Francois Perrin seem to be gradually inching closer to retirement as their sons take more and more of a front row seat in the running of this outstanding estate. This is a marvelous portfolio of wines, from the extraordinary values, to the top-end world classics. While one could say this is as traditionally run estate as can be found in western Europe, the Perrins are remarkably flexible if they sense that quality can be improved. Quality rises dramatically with the Perrin et Fils cuvees. The Cotes du Rhone Reserve wines are produced primarily from the estate vineyards at Grand Prebois and Vinsobres, with some purchased fruit from such Cotes du Rhone appellations as St.-Gervais. Marc Perrin, who is responsible for winemaking at Perrin et Fils, seems to go from strength to strength with this line of wines, which includes negociant bottlings as well as some from estate vineyards in Vinsobres.

Robert Parker | 95 RP

Powerful, with a round, almost creamy core of blackberry and raspberry fruit all layered with cocoa, sweet toast, mesquite and fig paste. Long and rich through the finish. Still quite primal, with lots in reserve. Best from 2010 through 2030. 17,500 cases made, 7,500 cases imported. — JM

Wine Spectator | 95 WS

The 2006 Beaucastel shows the textbook character of a mature Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It has expansive raspberry and cherry scents with suggestions of succulent herbs, pungent flowers, cigar box and just a hint of earth. Given the high percentage of Mourvèdre (almost a third of the blend), I would have thought that the earthy aspect would have been more pronounced, but that is not the case here. The 2006 is silky in texture, and the suave blend of depth and energy highlights its red fruit along with floral pastille and baking spice flavors. It finishes extremely long and precise, with superb clarity and just a hint of finely polished tannins adding gentle grip. Beaucastel often shows some gamy character when the wines are young; however, the 2006 did not in barrel nor after it was bottled, and there’s no trace of it now. I noted almost twelve years ago that this was a wine that “beguiles rather than brutalizes”, and I’m happy with that assessment today.

Readers lucky enough to have bought the 2006 Beaucastel on release got great value compared to the where bottles that just arrived on the market are priced today, yet the 2006 is actually quite fairly priced for a 15-year-old, world-class wine that comes direct from the winery’s cellars.

Vinous Media | 95 VM

A fantastic wine, the 2006 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape fleshes out with air and displays deep, earthy aromatics of dark fruit, roasted meat, graphite, mushroom and old wood. In the mouth, the wine displays a medium to full bodied, structured personality to go with a fantastic texture, concentrated fruit and a long finish. If drinking anytime soon this needs plenty of air.

Jeb Dunnuck | 94+ JD

Type of Wine	Chateauneuf du Pape : You can expect Chateauneuf-du-Pape reds selection to wash over you with a combination of leather, game, tar, and delicious dried herbs, creating a spice mixture that commands respect from even the harshest non-believers. Chateauneuf-du-Pape whites are ever so refreshing and bold, frolicking in a field of floral notes and earthy minerals.
Varietal	Proprietary Blend : Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend.
Country	France : Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world. For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide. France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity. France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive.
Region	Rhone : While the Northern Rhone produces only about 5% of all wine coming out of the Rhone Valley, the quality of these bottles is not to be underestimated. The terroir in this region is heavenly for growing Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne or Rousanne - the only permitted grapes in the AOC. Picture this - the Rhone flows through the valley like an azure thread piercing the landscape, a reflection of the dreamy skies hovering above the vineyards, ready to produce rainfall at a moment's notice. The rocky soil of the steep, almost surreal hillsides provides a bountiful feast for the grapevine roots. The flavors and texture of Northern Rhone wines tell you everything you need to know as soon as your lips touch the elixir, like a whisper in the vigorous valley winds As per the Southern Rhone wine, it is like taking a plunge into a whirlpool of juicy flavor. Every sip explodes forward like a crashing tsunami, bathing your tastebuds in delicious aromas of prune, chocolate, grass, and black fruit. The wines are so compelling that it can be hard to drink them casually at a social event without getting lost in their intricate textures and emotional depths. Let's set sail together, and drink deep from these luxurious bottles with our friends and loved ones.
Subregion	Southern Rhone
Appellation	Chateauneuf Du Pape

Producer	Chateau de Beaucastel : Resting upon historic terroir near the northern perimeter of Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, Southern Rhone’s most prestigious winegrowing appellation, resides Chateau De Beaucastel; feasibly the most famous estate in the region. It has long been regarded as one of the greatest wines in France: its history one of the eldest in Chateauneuf-Du-Pape and the family responsible, one of the most revered in the region. Notorious for its elegance, balance and ageing, Beaucastel is consistently awarded exceptional reviews and ratings from professional critics and wine writers around the world. The history of the estate has been traced back to 1549 when the original plot was purchased by Pierre de Beaucastel. Its antiquity speaks volumes to the presence of Beaucastel in the region, but it was not until 1909 when the estate was transferred to the Perrin family, in which Chateau de Beaucastel would begin its marvelous journey towards becoming perhaps, the finest estate in Southern Rhone. The year 1978 marked the beginning of the modern era of Beaucastel, as Jacques Perrin succeeded his father, Pierre and took control of the estate. The meticulous, talented and ambitious proprietor pioneered a new method (which he patented) of malolactic fermentation in which the grapes are heated to an extreme heat for a very short period and then cooled, removing select enzymes and in the process retarding oxidation, slowing fermentation, while allowing for more freshness and purity in the fruit. During Jacques Perrin’s tenure, the estate swelled to 130 hectares, the largest underground cellar in the Rhone valley was constructed and the name Chateau de Beaucastel became the pinnacle of Chateauneuf-Du-Pape winemaking, which all others aspired. Today the torch is being carried by his sons, Jean-Pierre and Francois, with the help of Marc, Pierre, Thomas, Cecile, Charles, Mathieu and Cesar, proudly representing the 4th and 5th generations (respectively) of Perrin family winemaking at Chateau de Beaucastel. The strength of this family unit is its ability to blend the talents of each family member in order to run the estate under common values: absolute respect for land and terroir, biodynamic culture as a philosophy of life, the research of truth, balance and elegance. Chateau de Beaucastel is a magical place, where nature is blooming, liberated and at ease; surrounded by hills planted with vines, century-old olive trees and truffle oaks situated in the municipality of Courthezon. Its exceptional terroir is marked by the Rhone, composed of marine molasses (sandstone) from the Miocene period, covered by Alpine alluvium and the omnipresent and famous Galets Roules (large round stones) which greatly contribute to the growth of the vines by collecting and then transferring the sun’s heat into the soil and vine roots. The location’s meso-climate plays and important role with a low rainfall, beautiful sunshine and spectacular temperature differences. The legendary Mistral wind, which whistles down the entire Rhone valley, blows through the vineyards of very old and gnarled vines cooling them during periods of extreme heat and drying them during periods of excessive rainfall. Beaucastel’s ancestral soils bear the fruit of all 13 permissible Rhone varieties (Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Counoise, Vaccarese, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Picardin, Bourboulenc, Roussanne and Cinsault). Of the estates 130 hectares under vine, 100 are cultivated in the AOC (Appellation of Origin Controlled) of Chateauneuf-Du-Pape. The remaining 30 hectares reside in the AOC Cotes-Du-Rhone (Coudoulet). Together the Beaucastel and Coudoulet vineyards offer a spectacular collection of wines, including Beaucastel Chateauneuf-Du-Pape (red and white) Beaucastel Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Blanc Vieilles Vignes (old vines) and Coudoulet de Beaucastel Cotes-Du-Rhone (red and white). A special cuvee, Beaucastel Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin (which pays tribute to the well-revered and talented winemaker Jacques Perrin) is produced only in the greatest of vintages and is produced with a considerable amount of Mourvedre (60%) which is unique for Chateauneuf-Du-Pape. It is also interesting to note that Beaucastel’s Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Rouge (red) is blended using all 13 grape varieties, including 5% whites. The Chateauneuf Blanc Vieilles Vignes is 100% Roussanne and is the benchmark for white Chateauneuf-Du-Pape. The entire portfolio produces around 20,000 to 25,000 cases each year, with the Roussanne Vieilles Vignes accounting for only 500 cases and the Hommage a Jacques Perrin (when produced) a mere 350 cases.