2003 Chateauneuf du Pape

One of the weaker vintages for this estate yet still outstanding, the 2003 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape delivers a surprisingly fresh profile, yet ten years after the vintage, it is entering the early stages of maturity. Loaded with red and black currants, iron, beef blood, rolled stone and garrigue on the nose, with no roasted fruit or over ripeness, it shines on the palate with excellent depth and richness. Medium to full-bodied, supple and integrated, with plenty of ripe fruit, it should continue to evolve for a handful of years. Consume it over the coming decade, max.

The 2003 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape isn't one for the ages and shows a clear, semi-opaque, ruby color along with an upfront, sweet nose of licorice, hot stones, hoisin sauce and roasted herbs. The palate is medium to full bodied with ripe (overripe?) fruit, a light, smooth texture and an enjoyable finish. All in all, an outstanding and seemingly early maturing wine.

A stew of a wine to go with our braised beef – very rich and herbal but clean, none of the horsey aromas for which young Beaucastel is so notorious. The heatwave vintage didn’t seem to have left its calling card of uncomfortably dry tannins in this wine which was already very opulent and flattering. (JR)