2019 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Museum Release, Southern Rhone

So much ripe damson-plum and blackberry fruit, but also notes of licorice, candied ginger and baking spices. In spite of all the considerable power and concentration, this is anything but loud or domineering, rather it tastes very poised and precise. Very long finish with pronounced stony character. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

97 points James Suckling Apr 2022

Saturated violet color. Powerful, mineral-accented cherry, blackberry, licorice and -garrigue- scents, along with a hint of candied flowers. Deep, penetrating and alluringly sweet, offering cherry liqueur, dark berry, lavender, exotic spice and cola flavors that are given spine by a core of juicy acidity. In a concentrated yet lively, fluid style. Finishes extremely long and precise, with building tannins and a powerful echo of spiciness and florality.

95 points Josh Raynolds Vinous Drink 2026 - 2036

Château de Beaucastel is one of the defining estates of Châteauneuf du Pape, with the Perrin family’s stewardship stretching back five generations. The property lies in the northern part of the appellation, where its vineyards are covered in the famous galets roulés, the large rounded stones that absorb the Provençal sun by day and slowly release warmth after dark. A Museum Release adds another dimension: the wine has remained in the estate’s care, ageing under controlled conditions before being released with maturity already well underway.

Beaucastel has long stood apart for its devotion to the traditional varieties permitted in Châteauneuf du Pape, with Mourvèdre playing an unusually important role alongside Grenache. That contribution becomes particularly fascinating with age. The exuberant fruit of youth gradually gives way to leather, game, dried herbs, earth and spice, while the wine’s structure softens and becomes increasingly seamless. With a Museum Release, provenance is a major part of the attraction, especially for a wine capable of developing over several decades.

Deep garnet moving towards brick at the rim, with black cherry, dried raspberry and plum giving way to leather, tobacco and dried flowers. Rosemary, thyme and fennel mingle with black olive, liquorice and cracked pepper, while porcini, game and warm earth reveal the wine’s maturity. The palate is broad and savoury, with mellow dark fruit, resolved tannins and enough acidity to retain shape. Dried cherry, olive, tobacco and earthy spice linger through a long, complex finish.

Slow braised lamb with garlic and rosemary belongs beside a mature Beaucastel, while duck with olives, porcini risotto, grilled quail or eggplant baked with tomato and herbs all make compelling alternatives. Our pick is the porcini risotto, allowing the earthy, savoury development of the wine to take centre stage.

Cellaring: Ready to drink, with further cellaring dependent on the vintage and bottle condition.