Winemaker Notes:The thirteen grape varieties of the Chteauneuf-du-Pape appellation with a strong percentage of Mourvdre and Grenache (30% each), Syrah 10%, Counoise 10% Cinsault 5% and the rest divided up amongst the remaining grape varieties: Vaccarse, Terret noir, Muscardin, Picpoul, Picardan, Bourboulenc, Roussanne.

The Grenache and the Cinsault give the wine its color, intensity and softness. The Mourvdre, Syrah, Muscardin and Vaccarse give the wine its renowned ageing potential and dark, classic character. The Counoise, Picpoul and other varieties provide freshness, fragrance and aromatic quality.

Press Reviews

95Wine Advocate

As I stated last year, there is no Hommage a Jacques Perrin in 2006, but Beaucastels 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape is performing even better from bottle than it did last year. Its dense plum/ruby/purple color is followed by a big, sweet perfume of black truffles, camphor, earth, incense, new saddle leather, and loads of peppery, blackberry, and herb-infused, meaty, black cherry fruit. Deep, full-bodied, and dense, with sweet tannin, this explosively rich Chateauneuf is a stronger effort than the 2005, 2004, or 2003. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028.

94Jeb Dunnuck

A fantastic wine, the 2006 Chteau de Beaucastel Chteauneuf-du-Pape fleshes out with air and displays deep, earthy aromatics of dark fruit, roasted meat, graphite, mushroom and old wood. In the mouth, the wine displays a medium to full bodied, structured personality to go with a fantastic texture, concentrated fruit and a long finish. If drinking anytime soon this needs plenty of air.