Chateau de Beaucastel   Chateauneuf Du Pape

2012 Chateauneuf Du Pape

By Chateau de Beaucastel

2012 Chateauneuf Du Pape from Chateau de Beaucastel, Rhone, Rest of the World

Some vintages embed their balletic footprints upon the sands of an oenophile's memory. Such is the 2012 Chateauneuf Du Pape from Chateau de Beaucastel. This enduringly illustrious brand from Rhone continues to captivate palates with their chameleonic mastery.

 

The 2012 Concert: Toned balance meets charismatic depth

The 2012 vintage stands as a testament to Beaucastel's ardent commitment to finesse and multidimensional profundity, emerging triumphant in a year marked by climatic quirks and circumstances. The extended, sultry ripening period resulted in a thrilling counterpoint between concentrated depth and stretching acidity, presenting an alluring duet for the taste buds.

The intricate vines of Beaucastel’s vineyard responded graciously to the unexpected weather conditions, crafting a unique blend of 13 varietals - an emblematic mark of Beaucastel’s prowess.

 

Rhone Serenade: A profile of the vintage's Symphonics

A majority composition of Mourvèdre and Grenache give this vintage its familiar tenor. The former, rendered robust by the year's generous sun, paints broody strokes of wild berries and spice, ignited by an essence of black licorice ribbon. Meanwhile, Grenache brings cherubic lightness with a spray of ripe cherry and raspberry tones.

Signalling its serious intentions are the elegant sips framed by sinewy tannin structures that evolve on the palate, sewing a velvet-blanketed finale. There’s an undeniable investment quality to this vintage, with its pedigree producer, high score ratings and ageing potential.

 

2012 Chateauneuf Du Pape from Chateau de Beaucastel: A seasoned maestro’s masterpiece

The 2012 Chateauneuf Du Pape from Chateau de Beaucastel is a wine that whispers tales of Rhone's unique terroir, stunningly inflected through the narrative lens of a challenging yet ultimately rewarding year. Representing one of the finest chapters in Beaucastel's extensive vinous novel, it's a page definitely worth investing in for the discerning connoisseur.

Current market price

£610.00

12x75cl

Highest score

96

POP score

38.13

Scores and tasting notes

96

What I think might end up being the best Beaucastel since the 1990 or 2001, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape offers a full-bodied, decadent style to go with awesome black and blue fruits, garrigue, licorice, crushed flowers and violets. The purity here is truly something, and it has fabulous mid-palate concentration, building tannin and massive texture. Given all of the fruit and texture here, it will no doubt drink well in its youth, but it should still be alive and kicking after two decades as well.

Jeb Dunnuck - The Wine Advocate, 30 October 2014

Vintage performance