1996 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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Tasting notes
More evolved on the nose and in color than the ’95, the 1996 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape is right in the wheelhouse with spicy, licorice-infused fruits, roasted meat, truffle, and a touch of leather on the nose. While the aromas lack of touch of clarity, the palate is beautiful with medium body, a smooth, precise texture, good acidity and a clean, long finish. Still going strong on the second day, this is delicious now and should continue to drink well over the next decade or longer.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 1996 Beaucastel is performing better after time in the bottle. With high acidity, this tannic, austere example is reminiscent (at least texturally) of a young Medoc. Blackberry, earthy, leathery, spicy notes can be found in the aromas. In the mouth, the wine exhibits medium body, tangy acidity, plenty of meaty Mourvedre characteristics, and a structured, austere finish. It should only be purchased by those with the patience to wait for this wine to develop. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2015. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802
Good full red. Less obviously ripe aromas of black cherry, dark berries, cocoa powder, and smoke, plus a faint medicinal nuance. More open in the mouth today than Beaucastel's '97; shows lovely sweetness and texture and very good cut and thrust. Hints of leather and game. Not quite as ripe as the '97, but finishes quite persistent, with a subtly perfumed quality. This may well be for drinking after the '97.
About the producer
This Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate is one of the Rhône’s most famous addresses. With a history stretching back to the 16th century, Beaucastel remains family owned and run, with the fifth generation of the Perrin family – Marc, Pierre, Thomas, Cécile, Charles, Matthieu and César – at the helm today.