This is probably my favourite vintage of Beaucastel for present drinking and one of the all time greats. Purchased on release as part of a case lot, I double decanted this one hour before dinner, although I was trying it throughout the evening. Semi dark strawberry red and slightly dull optic. Its complex character is evident on the nose, with scented cherry, saddle leather and a slight farmyard nose. A dense yet silky body slides seamlessely over my palate at first. Its tight core of spicy cherry fruit get more tannic as the evening wears on, with elegant acidity that moves me in the way it leaves my palate clean. The finish goes on for at least 30 seconds. A simply stunning Chateauneuf du Pape. This has a sort of ‘John Wayne’ character to it, a real gunslinger. Although drinkable now, I would not be surprised if this had 10-20 more years of life left in it.