Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape (half-bottle) 2001

In the glass, this wine is a very dark red. Aromas of red fruits, leather, truffles and musk follow through to spices, pepper, and anise on the palate. From one of the most well known and respected producers in Southern France. The vineyard is planted in all the traditional grapes of Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault, Vaccarese, Counoise, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Picardin, Bourboulenc, and Roussanne. For their red wines, Mourvèdre has the largest percentage (over 30%), followed by Grenache (30%), Counoise, Syrah, and Cinsault. All thirteen varieties may be used in the final blend. The profound, inky purple-colored 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape is one of the great classic Beaucastels of recent years. It may be even better than its three immediate predecessors. The Perrins find the 2001 reminiscent of their 1990, a vintage that is drinking gloriously today. The 2001's sumptuous bouquet of black fruits, saddle leather, underbrush, truffles, roasted herbs, cigar tobacco, and earth is followed by a concentrated, full-bodied wine with a penetrating intensity yet splendid freshness and vibrancy. This magnificent, majestic Beaucastel should hit its peak in a decade, and last 25 years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030