Chateau de Beaucastel   Chateauneuf Du Pape

2006 Chateauneuf Du Pape

By Chateau de Beaucastel

The 2006 Chateauneuf Du Pape from Chateau de Beaucastel, Rhone, Rest of the World

The era is 2006. A time when the Chateauneuf Du Pape from Chateau de Beaucastel had just inaugurated its foray into epic sophistication. The wine's journey through time has only served to refine its nobility, displaying impressive evolution that captivates both palate and intellect.

 

Genesis of a Signature Wine

Steeped in history and world-renowned vinicultural practise, the Rhone subregion of France has blessed us with the noble 2006 Chateauneuf Du Pape from Chateau de Beaucastel. This vintage is an illuminating exemplar of how unraveling meteorological conditions can metamorphose grapes into liquid poetry.

Assertive and gratifyingly matured, the 2006 Chateauneuf Du Pape mirrors the idiosyncrasies of a sublime wine season. Its rich garnet hues are harbingers of an ever evolving, ever enchanting flavour profile that roots itself in one's taste memory.

 

A Fine Year, A Rare Commodity

In 2006, the Rhone valley witnessed a series of exceptional climates and temperatures that lead to an expressive vintage. This dance of mercury made certain that each variety of grape brought forward its best character for this illustrious blend - chiefly Mourvedre and Grenache.

The summer sun orchestrated an ideal ripening period providing a great depth of dark fruits entwined with licorice, earthy components and hints of clove spice.

 

The Beaucastel Journey, A Banquet for the Senses

As the 2006 Chateauneuf Du Pape escorts your senses through a maze of opulence, its marvellous symphony of aromas frame an elegant panel of dark fruits, pristine earthiness, and stems of spice. A first sip is a proclamation of its beauty as the full-bodied flavours lend deeper insights into the wine's universe. The prepossessing tannins are well-matured, with the acidity adding an electrifying touch to the sturdy undertone of this investment-grade wine.

The culmination arrives in a splendid finish, the 2006 vintage demonstrating potent longevity while hinting towards its prime. Truly a standout wine from Chateau de Beaucastel's library that not only honours tradition but also innovates through eloquence in liquid form.

In conclusion, expect a grandiose display of refined power and complexity with each pour of the 2006 Chateauneuf Du Pape from Chateau de Beaucastel. A valuable user-friendly guide to fine wine investment, an exquisite milestone in the château's chronicle and undoubtedly a coveted treasure in any discerning investor's collection.

Market price (CAD)

$1,830.00

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

73.33

Scores and tasting notes

95

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. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 October 2008

Vintage performance