With a 16th-century heritage, Chateau de Beaucastel is among the most renowned estates in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The Perrin family has owned and operated it since 1909, and it is well known for its dedication to innovation and tradition. The estate is unique in that it incorporates all 13 approved grape varietals into its blends, with a special emphasis on Mourvedre, which contributes to structure and aging potential.
The 100-hectare vineyard benefits from the area’s distinctive Galets Roulés (round pebbles), which absorb heat and promote ripening. Having embraced organic agricultural methods long before they were popular, Beaucastel is renowned for them. As the wines age, layers of black fruit, spices, garrigue, and earthy characteristics are frequently revealed. The flagship Chateauneuf-du-Pape is praised for its complexity, elegance, and exceptional capacity to age.
2005 Chateau de Baucastel
The 2005 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a stunning expression of its vintage, offering a complex and layered bouquet. Aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, and dried figs intertwine with notes of garrigue, leather, smoked meats, and a touch of truffle. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with velvety tannins and a vibrant acidity that balances its richness. Flavors of dark fruits, liquorice, and spice unfold into a long, savoury finish with hints of earth and minerality. Drinking beautifully now but with the structure to age gracefully for another decade or more.
Le Vieux Donjon is a highly respected, family-run estate in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, renowned for its traditional winemaking and consistent quality. Established in 1966, the estate is managed by the Michel family, who emphasize authenticity and minimal intervention.
The vineyard covers 14 hectares, with vines averaging 60 years of age, planted on classic Chateauneuf-du-Pape soils of clay, limestone, and galets roulés. The blend focuses primarily on Grenache, complemented by Syrah, Mourvadre, and Cinsault, with fermentation in concrete and aging in old oak foudres.
Le Vieux Donjon produces a single red wine annually, celebrated for its purity, balance, and age-worthiness. The wines express a classic profile, showcasing dark fruits, garrigue, earthy spices, and a refined structure that evolves beautifully over decades.
1999 Le Vieux Donjon
The 1999 Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf-du-Pape showcases the elegance of a well-aged Southern Rhône. Aromas of dried cherries, blackberries, and stewed plums mingle with notes of dried herbs, leather, and a hint of tobacco. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with softened tannins and a harmonious balance. Flavors of dark fruits, earthy spices, and a touch of cedar evolve into a smooth, lingering finish. A mature and graceful wine, offering a snapshot of its terroir and vintage at its peak.
The renowned Chateauneuf-du-Pape estate Clos des Brusquieres is well-known for its emphasis on creating premium wines that are influenced by the region. The Bouachon family, who have been running the estate since the early 1990s, places a high value on ecological farming and cellar maintenance.
The 10-hectare vineyard is situated on a range of soil types, such as clay, limestone, and the distinctive galets roulés of the area. Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre are frequently included in the blend, which aims to convey the distinct character of the land. To maintain freshness and complexity, the wines are matured in a combination of concrete and oak barrels after fermenting in stainless steel. The wines of Clos des Brusquieres are renowned for their rich fruit, complexity, and elegance; they have a harmony of earthy, spiced, and ripe berry flavors. In addition to being approachable while young, these wines offer outstanding aging potential and become even more complex with time.
2011 Clos des Brusquires
The 2011 Clos des Brusquières Chateauneuf-du-Pape offers a charming and approachable profile. Aromas of ripe red cherries, raspberries, and wild strawberries are complemented by notes of Provencal herbs, white pepper, and a touch of earthiness. Medium-bodied on the palate, it delivers silky tannins and bright acidity, with flavors of red fruits, garrigue, and a hint of spice. The finish is fresh and balanced, making it an elegant and food-friendly expression of the vintage, ready to enjoy now.
