2010 Chateauneuf Du Pape
By Chateau de Beaucastel
The 2010 Chateauneuf Du Pape from Chateau de Beaucastel, Rhone
With four decades of meticulously tasting and observing fine wines in my vivid chronicles, the 2010 Chateauneuf Du Pape from Chateau de Beaucastel makes a compelling narrative. The seasoned whispers of this Rhone vineyard have seamlessly crafted a vintage that serves as an ideal reference for discerning oenophiles and wine investors alike.
Complexity in a Bottle: An impression of the 2010 vintage
2010 brought myriad unique qualities to the wines of the Rhone region which continue to reveal themselves a decade on, especially within bottles such as the 2010 Chateauneuf Du Pape. A remarkable equilibrium was achieved with graceful dancing between superb maturity and sublime acidity, an interplay which particularly guarantees its longevity and makes this vintage undeniably investable.
The harmonious climatic conditions of 2010 manifested exquisite ripeness in the grapes, each one contributing layers to the labyrinthine complexity we behold today. Spiced dark fruit aromas underpinned by soft barrages of smoke, leather and mineral notes captivate the senses upon first encounter.
Rhone refinement; Investment potential at its peak
Famed for its predominance of stately Grenache, the 2010 Chateauneuf Du Pape from Chateau de Beaucastel showcases this grape's finesse amidst its formidable blend which holds Syrah, Mourvèdre and others. The architecture of this wine, with its levelled strength and stellar vibrancy amidst dark fruits and subtle earthy undertones, attest to its distinct terroir, making it an essential addition to any investment portfolio.
Its stability and ongoing evolution make the 2010 Chateauneuf Du Pape not only a wise choice for wine investors, but also an opportunity to partake in an exceptional testament to Rhone's vaunted winemaking heritage. Every drop is a tangible representation of a moment in time, captured beautifully by the team at Chateau de Beaucastel.
Invest in Taste, Invest in Time
As we venture into an increasingly uncertain global market, the inherent value of a bottle of 2010 Chateauneuf Du Pape from Chateau de Beaucastel remains unwavering. Its prestige and potential appreciation ensure it's more than a mere luxury - it's liquid gold in the world of fine wine investment. And with each passing year, this vintage evolves into an even more refined version of itself, making it as secure an investment as one could hope to uncork.
Current market price
$1,490.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
59.33
Scores and tasting notes
Interestingly enough, even though many of the 2010 Perrin et Fils selections from the southern Rhone were scheduled to be bottled right after my visit, the 2010 Beaucastel had already been put in bottle. This is a gorgeous wine, a classic blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and the balance the other permitted varietals in the appellation. Deep purple, with loads of bouquet garni, beef blood, blackberry, kirsch, smoke and truffle, this wine is full-bodied, rich and showing even better than it did last year. I still think it needs 3-5 years of cellaring, and it should last for 25-30 years, as most of the top vintages of Beaucastel do. As I said last year, the Perrin family is a large one indeed, with brothers Jean-Pierre and Francois sitting at the top of the hierarchy and their four sons, Mathieu, Pierre, Thomas and Marc increasingly taking charge of their negociant business and their extensive estates throughout Southern Rhone. Now controlling over 1200 acres, as well as having a network of contracts, this operation is the equivalent of a major Southern Rhone train operating at high speed. Moreover, they are doing some incredible work in all price ranges. Other 2011s that the Perrin boys have produced include the following wines, which were very good across the board, especially for 2011s. In particular, readers need to take a hard look at their estate in Vinsobres, which is making the finest wines of that appellation, and more recently, what they are doing in Gigondas with the estate they purchased there, Clos des Tourelles. These are special wines. There are now three cuvees of Gigondas from the Perrins - the Gigondas La Gille, the Gigondas Vieilles Vignes and the Gigondas Clos des Tourelles. All three merit serious attention. Tasting the 2010s, which were all set to go into bottle right after my visit, certainly shows that this vintage is impressive, although I'm not sure that Marc and Pierre Perrin haven't done as good a job with their selections in 2011. Three cuvees of Gigondas look to all have outstanding potential and will probably be in bottle by the time this report is published. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 30 October 2012