I’m surprised at how accessible this wine is. I would have thought a 7 year old Beaucastel would be in shutdown mode. But recent CT notes indicated it’s not, so I decided to give it a try. Even after a PnP, it’s drinking pretty darn well. It must be the effect of the vintage taming the structure that this wine is known for. It’s not overripe at all. A ton of savory notes without heat. It reminds me of Tempier. It will be interesting to see what the maturity window will be with this vintage. I would not be surprised if it’s not a long lived as other vintages. But it should still go some distance. Perhaps without shutting down, which I welcome. I feel pretty lucky that I went long on this vintage of Beaucastel before I realized S Rhone 2007 wasn’t really as good as it was rated initially. Other S Rhone 2007’s were too ripe in comparison. Beaucastel saves the day.
Thanks for the note. Agreed that this has shown well with the few we have opened. I am doing my best to leave the rest now for a few more years before trying again.
Delicious wine, certainly not an over-ripened raisin fest like so many others from 2007, thx for the note.
The 2001’s were great in the winter of 2005…really delicate and elegant more than anything else. So I’m not surprised when these wines show well in their youth…but it’s great to hear this did well for you.
Not one of my favorite 07’s: needs more time!
Gotta ask, what 2007s are your favorites? Thx.
Anyone have any thoughts on the 06’ right now? I just picked up a bottle, having never had Beaucastel before, and I want to drink it now.
I have liked a few 07’s, but I almost spit out the Guigal when I tried it.
I think Beau… 07 is a good afford, but nothing really special, you could easily taste it besides a 04 or 06 from another good producer - it will be a pretty, balanced and good wine, even excellent, but that´s not what I´d pay 60+ for … I found it slightly “boring” (if you know what I mean) …
I´d rather prefer a Charvin or Bois de Boirsan or Vieux Donjon or Marcoux or Cailloux ou Caillou or Giraud or Ferrand or Mont Olivet for half the money …
I have been slugging 06’s for a year now. It is in a great spot. It is a much more delicate Beau, but bursting with food friendly complexity. What really went right with this vintage is that they nailed the structure and fruit balance in the lighter package.
Great! I feel good about popping it soon then.
Clos Des Papes, Charvin, Vielle Julienne, Pegau were all drinking well the last time I had them. It’s been a while on the Charvin.
BTW, a 2006 Clos Des Papes absolutely smoked a 2006 Beaucastel the other night. Way more developed and delineated but also fresher.