Château de Beaucastel - Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 'Roussanne Vieilles Vignes' 2023

An estate with worldwide recognition, Château de Beaucastel’s history dates back to 1549, when Pierre de Beaucastel purchased the land and built a manor house. In 1909, another Pierre -- Pierre Traminer-- purchased the estate, which he later transferred to his son-in-law Pierre Perrin. Today, the fourth and fifth generation of Perrins run the famed wine estate. Throughout the generations the family’s values have remained: absolute respect for land and terroir; biodynamic culture as a philosophy of life; and the research of truth, balance, and elegance. Pioneers in their innovative approach to organic farming in 1950 and then biodynamic farming in 1974, Famille Perrin has the deep conviction that the grapes must have flavors to make an expressive wine. The vineyards of Château de Beaucastel are located on historic land where each of the 13 approved grapes varietals of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation are planted. Château de Beaucastel covers 315 acres. 250 acres are planted with vines, three-quarters in the AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the remaining one-quarter in the AOC Côtes du Rhône. The art of blending is key at Château de Beaucastel, both the blending of talents of each family member and blending the 13 grapes to produce these exceptional Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. They are in the process of renovating and rebuilding the winery’s cellar with an ecological focus, including a project to harness the cooling effect of the region's notorious 'Mistral' wind to limit the use of artificial air conditioning and bring down current cellar temperatures from 14°C to a desired 12°C. Once accomplished, the winery will be one of the most advanced in regard to environmental practices.

Handpicked in small cases, sorting of the grapes, pneumatic pressing, settling of the juice, fermentation (30% in oak barrels, 70% in tanks) for 8 months. Bottling after 8 months.

"A stunning, precise, ample and textured roussanne, proposing aromas of dried lemon, dried mango, anise, wild herbs, verbena and some mild spices as well. It’s medium- to full-bodied with an oily texture. It’s round, suave and harmonious. Delicious and flavorful with layers. Vibrant with a vivid herbal and baked-lemon character providing plenty of vitality and verve. A brilliant expression on old-vine roussanne with so much focus and poise. Long finish. Drink or hold.” - 98 Points, James Suckling

"There are roughly 600 cases of the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes, a 100% Roussanne from very old vines brought up 50% new oak and 50% once-used. It too is flat-out awesome, with honeyed quince, green almond, white flowers, orange liqueur, and a liqueur of rocks-like minerality. It's full-bodied, has a pure, layered mouthfeel, fabulous concentration, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. If you see it, buy it. I don’t see this being the longest-lived vintage of this cuvée, but who cares? It’s sensational stuff.” - 98 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

"Crafted entirely from old vines of Roussanne, the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes matured in 50% new oak barrels and demi-muids from Chassaing and Dargaud & Jaegle and 50% in one-year-old barrels without undergoing malolactic fermentation. It exhales a deep, complex and elegant bouquet of honey, linden, spices, ripe orchard fruit and marmalade. Full-bodied, round and sappy, concentrated and textured, it’s dense and seamless with a rich texture and subtle, elegant, refined acidity that segues into a long, rich finish. With its substantial aging potential, it is poised to age beautifully.” - 97 Points, Wine Advocate 

Producer: Château de Beaucastel

Country: France

Region: Rhône Valley

Varietal: Roussanne

Appellation: Châteauneuf du Pape

Vintage: 2023

Size: 750ml