Nice report Kevin. Beaucastel has been a favorite since I was introduced to that great 1978 in the early 90s. Started buying regularly with the 1988s.
I was similarly impressed by a 2001 Beaucastel on Christmas: 12/25/2018 Cellared since release. Perfect cork and fill. Opened an hour without decanting, then drunk over 2 days. Dark red core, lightening at the rim. Potent nose of blackberry, plum, black cherry, fresh earth and floral notes with a mouth-watering savory element. Full body, excellent balance, good acidity and integrated tannins, layers of complexity, flavors follow the nose, medium-long finish. No deterioration on day 2 after a night in the fridge. In a great spot now and should hold there for another 5-10 years. Excellent to outstanding.
I have my doubts about the 2007. It’s been up and down. My most recent experience was not as positive as Laurent’s. 2007 Beaucastel: 11/14/2018 Another half-bottle cellared since release, and 2 and 1/2 years since my last try. Perfect cork and fill. Dark red to rim. Dark fruits, sweet cherries, meaty/savory notes on the nose. Ripe sweet fruit sliding into over-ripe and raisiny without carrying the meaty/savory components over from the nose. Decent balancing acidity and a medium long finish. This is disappointing as the last half-bottle was showing signs of starting to go in the right direction, trading the excessively sweet ripeness for more savory notes. This bottle is backsliding. Still very good as a cocktail wine but that’s not what I’ve been cellaring them for. I’ll wait another 3-5 years on the next one but my optimism has faded.
Been over a year since I’ve tried a 2000 but expect it’s still drinking great. 2000 Beaucastel: 11/27/2017 Cellared since release, perfect cork and fill. Dark red to rim. Red fruits, mushroom, complex earth and umami notes on the nose. Acid and tannin balance nicely against the ripe fruit, medium-full body, nice finish, drinking beautifully and should do so for another decade, excellent.
My luck with the 1989s has been excellent. No leakers. One of my favorite vintages. A recent bottle was everything I could ask for. 1989 Beaucastel: 9/1/2018 Cellared since release, cork is wine-stained 80% of the way to the top but no signs of leakage, fill within 1" of the cork. Medium-red core, lighter at the rim but no bricking. Wonderful complex nose of cherry, garrigue, leather and meat. No discernible Brett. Medium body, beautifully balanced, great mix of ripe fruit and sweet aged complexity, moderate finish. This is at peak and well-stored bottles should drink well for at least another 5 years. Outstanding.
Haven’t had a 2006 since release. Sounds like they are starting to show well.
Thanks!