November 9, 2023 - Woodinville & Washington Wines with Avennia and Liminal

Join us for a captivating journey through the vibrant cellars of Woodinville, the hidden gem that has played an instrumental role in shaping Washington's wine legacy. Dive deep into the stories, challenges, and triumphs of the region with an exclusive interview featuring the co-owner and winemaker of esteemed estates, Avennia and Liminal. Together, we'll uncork the history of wine evolution in both Woodinville and the wider Washington area, delving into the transformational changes over the decades and pondering the tantalizing prospects of the future. Raise your glasses to the symphony of terroir and talent that is Washington and Woodinville wine!

We will be tasting the following wines: 

2021 Oliane Sauvignon Blanc

The Story of This Wine. We believe Washington State can make Sauvignon Blanc that competes with any in the world. Oliane is barrel fermented in French oak using native yeast and aged on the lees for 7 months. It is bottled unfined to allow for greatest expression and complexity.

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes. “Pale straw in color with flecks of green. The nose is very complex and evocative, combining white stone fruit, grapefruit, a touch of summer peach, along with a little brioche, sun-dried hay, and a marine minerality. The palate is quite rich, yet cut through with an incisive minerality. Bright citrus and stone fruit lead, with a lot of complex hints of rubbed fennel, hibiscus, golden straw, and crushed flint. This quite concentrated, yet light on its feet wine, is singing right now, but should be very interesting to watch age for the next 7-10 years as well.”

- Chris Peterson, Winemaker

Past Vintage Scores

2020: 93, Owen Bargreen; 92, International Wine Report
2019: 92 & Editors’ Choice, Wine Enthusiast; 92, Vinous
2018: 92, Vinous
2017: 92, Jeb Dunnuck; 91 & Editors’ Choice, Wine Enthusiast

2020 Justine Rhone Blend 

The Story of This Wine. Justine reflects our belief that Washington is capable of producing world-class blends of grape varieties traditional to the Southern Rhône region of France. The name is in-spired by one of the great heroines of recent literature, who also sprung from the imagination of the Mediterranean. Dark, seductive, complex, with a chasm of depth. The Justine is a great reflection of Avennia’s mission of expression, and Washington’s generous terroir.

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes. “Showing a medium-dark garnet color, this wine starts with a beautiful nose of dark raspberry, pomegranate, and orange zest, and desert herbs. The palate is seamless and complex, with dark red fruits, violets, licorice pastille, and wet clay. This wine always shows well on release and can age for a decade plus in the cellar.” - Chris Peterson, Winemaker

94 points, International Wine Report

2020 Sestina Cabernet Sauvignon

The Story of This Wine. The Sestina is an ancient form of poetry from Medieval France. Just as a modern poet can fill this form with new expressions, we use the traditional Bordeaux blend to express Washington. Sestina is our vision for an old vine, complex blend where all of the components complement each other. This wine is designed for the cellar, so the emphasis is on structure, balance, and complexity.

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes. “The nose on this wine is classic Sestina, with black currant cordial, Damson plum, dark chocolate torte, licorice pastille, bay leaf, and hints of wet river stones. Deep and impactful on the palate, where the dark blue and black fruits are carried by notes of sweet herbs, dark chocolate, bee pollen, and graphite notes. While this is showing great now, Sestina is designed to age very well. Drink 2025-2045.” - Chris Peterson, Winemaker

94 points, Northwest Wine Report

2020 Arnaut Syrah

The Story of This Wine. For our taste, no one grows finer Syrah in the state than Dick Boushey. We make this wine with minimal manipulation using native yeasts, bottling unfined and unfiltered, to allow the “place” to shine through. We named this wine after the Provençal troubadour, Arnaut Daniel, who invented the Sestina poem form, thus creating a connection between our two flagship efforts.

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes. “This wine is quite dark in color, with aromas of black raspberry, plum and blackberry reduction, dried sage, and crushed rock. The palate is deep and quite savory, showing black fruits, licorice root, grilled pork belly, and black peppercorns. Though there’s plenty of fruit here, the savory elements are what sets this Arnaut apart. Give it a couple of years in the cellar and enjoy over the next decade and a half.” - Chris Peterson, Winemaker

95 points & Critic’s Choice, Northwest Wine Report

Liminal 2020 GSM Vineyard Series

Winemaking. Aged 16 months in a combination of French oak and concrete egg; blend of 46% Grenache, 28% Mourvèdre, 26% Syrah.

Winemaker’s Notes. Brooding black-red fruits, dark Amaro core, blood orange, bouquet garni. Large scaled with dark red fruits, salmonberry, Provencal herbs, and crushed stone mingling on a richly complete palate. Drink: 2024-2032.

91-93 points, Jeb Dunnuck

September 14, 2023 - Northern Rhône Wine Region: The Land of French Syrah

An Evening Exploring the Northern Rhône Wine Region:

The Land of French Syrah

According to Wine Folly, the Northern Rhône may not be the epicenter of where the first Syrah vine appeared (which is about 35 miles southeast of this region), however it is the benchmark by which all other Syrah wines are measured. Syrahs from this area exhibit styles very unlike other regions across the world. The area is renowned for its steep terraces, unique trellises, diverse soil types from north to south and very famous appellations such as Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage, two areas on our tasting list. Alex Morrison, Certified Sommelier and veteran wine expert, will lead us on our Syrah journey.

Maison les Alexandrins Condrieu 2016

Maison les Alexandrins is the story of three friends combining the savoir-faire they learned from their parents and grandparents and the fruits from beautiful and historic terroirs. Nicolas Jaboulet, the 6th generation of a wine growing family in Tain l’Hermitage, Guillaume Sorrel, son of Marc Sorrel of Domaine Sorrel in Hermitage, and Alexandre Caso, a specialist in the terroirs of the Northern Rhône, joined forces in 2012. Today, Maison and Domaine Les Alexandrins produces Northern Rhône wines that are true and classic expressions of the Northern Rhône.

As the source of some of the most vibrant and powerful white wines in France, Condrieu is uniquely situated in one of the northern outposts of the Rhône River. It is the original Viognier appellation with a winegrowing history dating back well over two thousand years.

This unique wine exhibits aromas of exotic fruit, pineapple, acacia flowers, lychee and peach including very elegant and discreet aging notes of sweet spice. A honeyed smell may mislead you to think the wine will be sweet but the modern style totally appears dry on the palate. The finish is saline with beautiful bitterness and a flash of minerality buried on the finish.

Domaine Belle Hermitage 2013

Belle Hermitage dates back to 1933 when Louis Belle, a great winegrower, acquired some superb parcels of land in communes of Larnage and Tain l’Hermitage. When Louis transferred the land to his son Albert in the 1970s, the holding consisted of four hectares spread over two communes, Larnage and Tain. Together Albert (son) and Philippe (grandson) have built a modern winery giving them the means to produce great wines which respect the terroir of the individual appellations.

A rich, complex aroma of black fruit develops from the outset showing notes of blackberry liqueur, cassis and elderflower. Olive tapenade, smoked earth, black currant and hints of beef blood flow nicely to create a medium- to full-bodied wine. It is a balanced, yet concentrated and structured Hermitage, with an aromatic length. This Hermitage is a beautiful crimson with glints of dark purple—a wine so full of color it is nearly black.

E. Guigal Château d’Ampuis Côte-Rôtie 2014

The Guigal domain was founded in 1946 by Ḗtienne Guigal in Ampuis, a small, ancient village at the heart of the Côte-Rôtie appellation. It is overlooked by unique vineyards where vines and wine have been celebrated for over 2,400 years. Today it is run by third generation winemakers, Philippe and Eve Guigal, who now make some of the best wines of the Rhône valley. In 1995 they acquired the famous Château d’Ampuis, a historical and oenological marvel situated on the banks of the Rhône, that history has linked directly to the Côte-Rôtie appellation.

Matured in new oak that sees the same élevage as the single vineyard cuvées, the 2014 Côte Rôtie Château D'Ampuis boasts terrific ripeness and depth, with a Burgundian style in its perfumed red and black fruits, spice box, and dried flower aromas and flavors. With medium body, fine tannins, and terrific balance, muscular complexity and length, Château d’Ampuis defines what a great Côte-Rôtie should be.

2015 Jean-Baptiste Souillard St. Joseph Bergeron

Jean-Baptiste Souillard is a deeply serious young winemaker with an impressive background, having worked at Château Latour, Comte Armand and Jean-Luc Colombo, not to mention several stints abroad. He worked in Burgundy as well, and loving the region and their single varietal wines, he felt frustrated to see so many great terroirs from the Northern Rhône being blended. He then decided to make his own wines by sourcing grapes from single plots only. His first vintage was 2014 with all his wines bearing the plots’ names, like in Burgundy. The vineyards are mostly located at the top of the hill (with granite soils), which are the rarest in the Northern Rhône appellations.

The 2014 vintage expresses notes of peonies and talcum powder, black and red fruits with old wood, savory aromatics and an effortlessly long finish. For this particular Syrah, one can imagine drinking a whole-cluster-Burgundy faded by rose petals with magnificent, hyper-tense, savory notes, yet this is a wine that heralds from the Northern Rhône.

2018 Jean-Luc Columbo Cornas ‘Les Ruchets’

Innovation, passion and dedication are what drive Jean-Luc and Anne Colombo, whose contributions to Rhône Valley winemaking have remained unparalleled since 1984. The Colombos’ innovative approach in the northern appellation of Cornas has been nothing short of revolutionary. Their expressive, character-driven wines have helped breathe new life into this highly prestigious and acclaimed appellation. Jean-Luc, Anne and their daughter Laure, now head winemaker, continue to ensure the production of fine wines of typicity from major appellations of the Rhône Valley, as well as the Languedoc and Provence, while maintaining sustainable farming practices.

The 2018 Cornas ‘Les Ruchets’ leads off with hints of mint, fennel, crushed stone and blackberries. It's full-bodied and rich, expansive and generous without crossing over into being jammy, with savory notes of black olives and roast meat to balance out the ripe fruit and a lingering, softly tannic finish.

June 8, 2023 - Barolo vs. Super Tuscan

June marks the last of our WAC Wine Club events for the 2022-2023 year, and what better way to end the season than with a Barolo versus Super Tuscan tasting.  The five wineries highlighted are some of the best in all of Italy! You’ll have a chance to experience wines made of 100% Nebbiolo alongside Super Tuscan wines that feature some exquisite combinations of Sangiovese and Bordeaux varieties.  The Tuscan coast witnessed the birth of the first Super-Tuscan starting a trend that began in the 1970s that lives on today.  Your WAC Wine Club cellar team has made sure to buy only the best for consumption along the way—and the time is now!

We are thrilled to be joined by Nick Davis, founder and Creative Director of Medium Plus

2007 Giovanni Rosso Cerretta Barolo DOCG

Produced by a small, family-owned winery in the heart of a Barolo commune of Serralunga d’Alba, this wine made from Nebbiolo grapes exhibits rose, red berry and dark spice aromas on the nose followed by a palate that delivers juicy red cherry, raspberry compote, dried mint and licorice.  The 2007 Cerretta Barolo represents Serralunga’s hallmark of firm structure, finesse along with a full-bodied mouth feel.  Says winemaker Davide Giovanni, “Wine should be a perfect copy of its terroir” and in this case, his wines do come from the finest soils in the world.  

2008 Gaja DaGromis Barolo DOCG

Perched atop a steep hill in the Langhe of the Piedmont valley sits the small village of Barbaresco, home of Gaja winery.  A philosophy that began over 150 years ago, Gaja’s purpose has been to produce original wines with a sense of place which reflect the tradition and culture of those who made it.  The 2008 ruby red Gaja does exactly that—it shows notes of rose flower, black currant, blackberry, cherry, black licorice, tobacco and clove.  On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and well-balanced.  Says Jancis Robisnon, “This Gaja example shows all the aristocratic posture of a great Nebbiolo”. 

2009 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 

The famous Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta was the first to plant Cabernet Sauvignon vines for his own consumption in the 1940s on his San Guido estate, and it was he who decided to call this wine Sassicaia.  Today Sassicaia has its own DOC designation within the Bolgheri DOC appellation. Says one wine critic, “This wine is insanely complex yet subtle with so much going on, with a beautiful balance and tension. Elegance with force. Hard not to drink”.  The nose is full of caramel notes, dense red fruit, black currant, cherry, herbs and spice flavors. The palate exhibits ripe blackberry, cherry and sweet currants with flavors of cedar, vanilla spice, leather, bits of tar and cacao, a powerhouse. A truly superior wine!

2011 Antinori Tignanello Sangiovese 

The Antinori family has been committed to the art of winemaking for over six centuries since 1385, when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of the “Arte Fiorentina dei Vinattieri,” the Florentine Winemakers’ Guild. Says another wine critic, “This is probably one of the best Tignanello's ever made”! The 2011 Tignanello demonstrates a very ripe and fruit-forward personality with bursting cherry and blackberry folded within sweet spice, moist tobacco and honey-almond paste. Ruby, rose, clear color; fresh grapes, red fruit, marble and stone on the nose; paprika, some cinnamon and fresh cherry on the palate.

2011 Gaja Ca’Marcanda Magari

The word "Magari" has several meanings: "if only," "would that it were true," "perhaps”. The Gaja Winery was founded by Giovanni Gaja in 1859 in the small village of Barbaresco in the Piedmont area (the home of the 2008 Gaja DaGromis described above).  It has been owned and operated by five generations of the Gaja family.  In 1996 Gaja acquired its Ca'Marcanda property, located in Castagneto Carducci in Bolgheri, Tuscany. Of the property's 200 acres, 150 have been planted with new vineyards: primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Lush cherry and blackberry emerge on the nose from this blend of mostly Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This luscious wine starts with aromas of espresso, coffee, black plum and cooking spices followed by a palate that delivers black currants and black cherry layered with espresso, dark chocolate and toasted oak. 

May 11, 2023 - Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is one of the world’s 20 most planted grape varieties. Cabernet Franc is lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon, making a bright pale red wine that contributes finesse and lends a peppery perfume to blends with more robust grapes. Records of Cabernet Franc in France go back to the 17th century.  DNA analysis indicates that Cabernet Franc is one of two parents of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carmenere.  In general, Cabernet Franc is very similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, but buds and ripens at least a week earlier. This trait allows the vine to thrive in slightly cooler climates than Cabernet Sauvignon.  Please join us to discover how different parts of the world produce different expressions of Cabernet Franc.

2015 Domaine Amirault Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Le Vau Renou

Located in Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil in the Loire Valley, Domaine Amirault's Clos des Quarterons is a 92-acre vineyard. The Domaine has been in the Amirault family for six generations and is currently managed by Xavier Amirault and his wife, Agnès. The estate is 100% certified organic by Ecocert and certified biodynamic by Demeter. The biodynamic methods focus on both the environment and the terroir: soil, place, climate, varietal, and the methods of farming. The goal is to achieve a natural balance across the 53 plots of mostly Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc planted at the estate. This thoughtful method of farming is the Domaine’s secret to offering unique and living wines, vintage after vintage.  Produced from biodynamically grown grapes in a walled vineyard, this wine is superbly focused. Its blackberry fruit, layers of tannins and acidity and concentration are all impressive. Rich while still keeping crispness, the wine is likely to age well over the medium-term. Drink from 2020

2019 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Franc

Deep ruby in color with signature aromas of dry spice rack, dry herbs, violets, and unripe berries. Mineral in aroma and flavor, with graphite and dark cocoa powder. Oak and red fruit entangle with the herbs. Concentrated flavors with a full-body and well-balanced tannin structure. The 2019 is very complex but elegant with a velvety, long finish. Ready to drink now, though the extra oak aromas and flavors will benefit from some cellaring making the wine more luscious.

2019 Barrister Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley

Begun by two lawyers passionate about wines, Barrister Winery’s reputation for quality has won them numerous awards including ‘Best of Show’ at the prestigious Los Angeles wines of the world competition as well as consistent 90+ point scores. The 2019 Cabernet Franc is fruit-forward brimming with hints of dark cherries, warm spice and subtle notes of toasted oak. Barrel-aged in American, French and Hungarian oak, this fine example of Cabernet Franc has been described as “berries wrapped in a blanket of toasted oak,” expressing a velvety texture with fine, soft tannins. The flavors of black cherry, blueberry and hints of cocoa are smooth on the palate with an enticing, lingering finish. This wine is designed to enjoy now and for years to come.

2019 Russiz Superiore Cabernet Franc Collio DOC

Russiz Superiore can trace its roots back to 1273, the name stemming from the estate of Russiz Superiore (due to its high location) above the hamlet of Russiz. The working estate hails from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in Northeast Italy, the heart of the Collio wine country on the border of Slovenia. This wine is made from 100% Cabernet Franc, the second most planted red grape variety of Friuli-Venezia Giulia (after Merlot). Its proximity to the Alps and the sea, which send cooling afternoon breezes over the vineyards after a warm sunny day, create the ideal situation for producing complex, well-structured wines that are very age-worthy. The wine is deep ruby-red in color; the nose complex and fruity with vegetal hints; and on the palate some black cherry, blackberry and blackcurrant with some green pepper, rich in flavor with a good balance between freshness and silkiness.

2019 Matthews Reserve Cabernet Franc

The 2019 Matthews Reserve Cabernet Franc was crafted from several small vineyard parcels across four AVAs in Washington State: Columbia Valley, Red Mountain, Royal Slope and Walla Walla Valley. Farmed using sustainable practices, the vines were primarily limited to one cluster per shoot or three clusters per spur to create maximum concentration in each cluster. They were hand-harvested in the early fall mornings of October 2019.

Upon arriving in the winery, each cluster was hand-sorted, berry-sorted, and fermented in either stainless steel (91%) or concrete (9%). The fruit was moved to 100% custom French oak barrels for 25 months of cellaring. The resulting 19 barrels were bottled in December 2021, producing only 467 cases.

March 9, 2023 - Brook & Bull Cellars

The Non-Cellar Committee held an exciting event in honor of terrific wine and Women's History Month.

We proudly feature Ashley Trout, Owner and Winemaker at Brook & Bull Cellars. Ashley began her wine making career at the young age of 18, travelling the world to learn how to make the best wine and improve communities. She's worked in Mendoza, Argentina and has been involved in wineries in Walla Walla since 1999. Brook & Bull is her third winery

Ashley also owns a second label, Vital Winery, a non-profit, with proceeds supporting vineyard and winery workers in Walla Walla and providing access to affordable healthcare.

Wines:

• 2022 Rosé

  • 40% Syrah, 35% Mourvèdre, 23% Counoise, 2% Cinsault

  • Peach, guava and mango pop out of the glass. This rosé turned out more tropical than other vintages and we’re loving it. Chopped pineapple and hints of mandarin and pear juice, head into the slightest hints of rose petals. A crisp, refreshing, totally dry rosé.

• 2020 The Silent Ode

  • 55% Cabernet Franc, 18% Petit Verdot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec

  • Cherries, Shishito peppers and cocoa nibs launch this blend, trailed by currants, cardamom, leather and blackberries. Sturdy tannins give the mouthfeel and finish a rich and long-lasting presence as well as great structure. Showcasing the underbelly of the classic Bordeaux varieties with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot at the forefront.

• 2020 The Deviant

  • 68% Cabernet Franc, 32% Petit Verdot

  • Violets and rocks. Branches and leather, oranges, cardamom, tar and rust. Lavender, sumac with a beautiful grip of tannins. Pipe tobacco, ocean brine and desert-this wine spans the globe of smells.

• 2019 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon

  • 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Cranberries and caramel punch this cabernet sauvignon to a fun start. Flint, cotton candy, vetiver, fig, red apple skin and plum take it to a long, structured finish. This is a fantastic food pairing wine.

•  2020 Reserve Malbec

  • 100% Malbec

  • Walla Walla AVA

  • Cigar and plums, brambleberry pie, all kinds of blackberry, raspberry, huckleberry, the works. 1985 cherry coke with caper berries, leather and lemon. This wine is one of the most tactile B&B has ever made with tannins, mid-palate chewiness, acid, it's all there. 

January 12, 2023 - Chateau de Beaucastel

Tasting of Chateau de Beaucastel from 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2019. The wine club has been collecting these vintages for years and this is almost a straight vertical.

Wines

• 2019 Château de Beaucastel CDP Blanc

• 2008 Chateau de Beaucastel CDP

• 2009 Château de Beaucastel CDP

• 2011 Château de Beaucastel CDP

• 2012 Château de Beaucastel CDP

Reviews & Tasting Notes:

• 2019 Château de Beaucastel CDP Blanc

  • “The 2019 reveals a lighter gold hue as well as a beautiful and classic bouquet of honeyed citrus, quince, white flowers, bee’s wax, and a touch of flinty minerality. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it has flawless balance, nicely integrated acidity, and a great, minerally finish. You can enjoy bottles today with a decant or cellar for two to three decades, if you’re so inclined." — 95 points Jeb Dunnuck

  • “A mealy nose, initially a little shy with a subtle whiff of almonds and red apple. Rounded and rich, and also has a note of bruised apple and marzipan. Creamy mouthfeel, and closed down for action just now. But all is really nicely put together, balanced and correct.” — Jancis Robinson Note : 17+ - 2020-11-27

  • “Gentle, plump and fairly opulent this year, the oak is well handled, sits in the background and adds body, weight and complexity of aroma and texture. A balanced, very classic expression of Beaucastel blanc. The acidity is fairly low this year, but the wine has a savoury and noble bitterness that supplies the structure. A good vintage, but one to drink young. 80% Roussanne; all other Châteauneuf white grapes make up remainder. 30% of the blend goes into oak on a four-year rotation.” — 94 points Decanter

  • “Gorgeous, showing a lovely display of seamlessly layered apricot, peach, Cavaillon melon and mirabelle plum flavors, with meringue, brioche, salted butter and macadamia nut notes. Delivers a lengthy finish, where everything flows so beautifully that it just brings you right back wanting more. Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc.” — Wine Spectator Note : 96/100 - 2022-01-01

  • From FamillePerrin.com: “The production of white wine at Beaucastel is limited as we only have 7 hectares of white vines planted. The main variety is Roussanne, representing 80% of the blend.”

    • Roussanne : 80%
      Grenache blanc : 15%
      Picardan, Clairette, Bourboulenc : 5%

• 2008 Chateau de Beaucastel CDP

  • "The 2008 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape is one of the few outstanding wines produced in this vintage. More evolved than Beaucastel’s wines tend to be, it reveals a healthy dark plum/ruby color, notes of licorice, meat juices, smoked game, black currants and garrigue, medium to full body, silky tannins, good freshness, surprising depth for the vintage and a long finish. Drink it over the next decade.” — Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Note : 90/100 - 2010-10-30

  • “Ripe and very sleek, with a dense core of cassis, blackberry, anise framed by violet and spice. The long finish drips with juicy fruit and subtle toast, with a flash of iron boding well for cellaring. Shows great freshness and balance for the vintage.” — Wine Spectator Insider Note : 93/100 - 2011-11-11

  • “Marc calls this ‘quite a Northern style’. Already quite open, the nose is immensely inviting with notes of liquorice, roasted game, blackcurrants, violets and garrigue. Beautifully focussed yet opulent texture, quite full on the palate with silky tannins, good freshness, and a long finish.” — Averys Blog, Aaron Rice - 2011-11-10

  • “A superb showing by the 2008 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape and a very complete wine that will surprise people who think ‟08 was a poor vintage. Showing solid complexity and an open personality, with aromas of meat, lavender, garrigue, and licorice, medium body, solid concentration, and plenty of length, this will be a relatively early drinking wine by Beaucastel standards. Never the less, it should continue to positively evolve for 3-5 years and have 15 years of longevity.” — The Rhone Report, Jeb Dunnuck Note : 92/100 - 2011-09-09

  • “Medium to dark ruby in color, this wine smells of mulberry and wet stones, with a hint of dried fennel seeds and crushed herbs in the background. In the mouth, tight tannins wrap around an equally compact core of raspberry and cherry that sits on top of a deep earthy and mineral core. Good length and breadth. A cold and rainy vintage with yields down roughly 50% from normal.” — Vinography Note: Between 9 and 9.5

    • Mourvèdre : 30%
      Grenache : 30%
      Vaccarèse, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Picardan, Bourboulenc, Roussanne : 15%
      Syrah : 10%
      Counoise : 10%
      Cinsault : 5%

• 2009 Château de Beaucastel CDP

  • "This is not the bottled final blend but it's very close to it. 13 varieties including 30% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache and 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, 5% Cinsault. Held back but there is so much waiting to escape. You can feel all those components coming together (I had just tasted the varieties Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Cinsault as separate - non-commerical - bottlings). The brightness of the Grenache, that dry, firm framework and length from the Mourvèdre and the completeness of the blend. Dry, fresh, long and impressive in its embryonic state. Power and finesse. Great length." — Jancis Robinson - 2010, 18/20

  • "The 2009 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape is reminiscent of their brilliant 1985. It will be one of the rare Beaucastels that is drinkable upon release. Made from this estate’s classic blend, it possesses soft tannins as well as a silky, open-knit seductiveness, a dense plum/purple color and a beautiful perfume of smoky Provencal herbs intermixed with grilled steak juices, garrigue, kirsch and blue as well as black fruits. The wine is full-bodied, unctuously textured, and silky smooth (the latter characteristic being somewhat atypical for a young Beaucastel). If it performs like the 1985, it will drink well young and continue to do so for 25 or more years.” — Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate - 2011, 94/100

  • "The 2009 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape had just been bottled at the time of the tasting but you wouldn‟t know it by tasting it. A blend of 30% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and 20% assorted varieties, the wine delivers a superb aromatic display of kirsch and black cherry-like fruits to go with a solid dose of underlying meat, truffle, earth, and leather. Full-bodied and gorgeously concentrated through the middle, with fleshy, ripe fruit, good acidity, and an abundance of structure, this will ideally be left alone for 7-8 years and then consumed over the following two decades.” — The Rhone Report, Jeb Dunnuck - 2011, 96/100

  • "My splurge/collector’s choice from the release. This is world class wine, one that you can easily set aside for at least a decade. Given what “world-class” typically means in buying wine, the price is more than reasonable. Beaucastel is noted for an unusually high proportion of Mourvedre in its Grenache/Syrah blend, which gives it longevity. Right now the wine shows an underlying earthiness, with opulent black fruit and a touch of black olives, mixed Asian spices, and a whiff of pencil lead in the background.” — Guelph Mercury, Dan Kislenko - 2012

• 2011 Château de Beaucastel CDP

  • "Inky ruby. Powerful, expressive aromas of red- and blackcurrant, cherry and licorice, with suave anise and floral overtones. Juicy and precise, with tangy red and dark berry flavors, supple texture and a strong mineral note on the back. Spicy on the finish, which shows very good focus and length. This is impressively elegant and should be drinkable on the young side. " — International Wine Cellar, Josh Raynolds Note : 91-93/100

  • "Reminiscent of a lighter weight 2009, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape offers up a sweet bouquet of spiced black cherries, plum, truffle, saddle leather and underbrush. Coming from tiny yields (which were down 50% from 2010), this medium to full-bodied 2011 is gorgeously textured and has solid mid-palate depth, terrific purity of fruit and ripe tannin. Relatively approachable and enjoyable even now, it should nevertheless evolve gracefully for 15-20 years."— Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Jeb Dunnuck Note : 94/100 - 2013-11-01

  • "Very sleek and refined despite the obvious heft, featuring steeped red and black currant fruit studded with bergamot, blood orange, sweet tobacco and alder notes. The long, racy finish has a lovely echo of singed mesquite. Best from 2015 through 2027." — Wine Spectator, James Molesworth Note : 94/100 - 2014-05-21

• 2012 Château de Beaucastel CDP

  • “This is also a great vintage for the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape. Beautifully rich and layered, with fantastic concentration and ultra-fine tannin, it delivers impressive aromas and flavors of dark fruits, licorice, mineral, and plum. Dense and rich, yet with perfect ripeness and bright acidity, it should end up being a classic example of Beaucastel and have two decades of longevity." — Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Jeb Dunnuck Note : 94-96/100 - 2013-11-01

  • “Deep, dark and brooding, this 2012 Beaucastel combines fresh hedgerow fruit with liquorice, clove, Middle Eastern spice and gentle cherry liqueur richness. Extremely impressive concentration on the palate, this is fleshy but serious; where the layers of flavour continue to add intrigue and complexity right through the finish.” — Lay and Wheeler - 2013-10-15

  • “Beautiful fruits, both black and red berry. Garrigue, spice. A super succulent and unctuous wine possessing silky, sensual tannins. Wonderfully textured and incredibly approachable.” — Fields Morris Verdin - 2013-10-10

  • “What I think might end up being the best Beaucastel since the 1990 or 2001, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape offers a full-bodied, decadent style to go with awesome black and blue fruits, garrigue, licorice, crushed flowers and violets. The purity here is truly something, and it has fabulous mid-palate concentration, building tannin and massive texture. Given all of the fruit and texture here, it will no doubt drink well in its youth, but it should still be alive and kicking after two decades as well." — Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Jeb Dunnuck Note : 96/100 - 2014-10-30

  • “Warm raspberry and boysenberry confiture aromas and flavors are dominant in this lush, inviting style, but there's plenty of dried star anise, bay leaf, licorice root, worn leather and roasted juniper notes to fill out the chorus. The finish turns youthfully grippy, with a tarry edge holding sway and adding serious length. Try now, but cellar for maximum effect. Best from 2018 through 2030. — Wine Spectator, James Molesworth Note : 95/100 - 2015-10-28

  • From FamillePerrin.com:

    • “The Story: Château de Beaucastel has long been regarded as one of the greatest wines in France. It is notorious for its elegance, balance and ageing potential. Beaucastel has an exceptional terroir at the Northern limit of Châteauneuf du Pape, exposed to the Mistral wind. All thirteen varieties of the appellation have been organically grown since the sixties.

    • Terrior: Château de Beaucastel is 110 hectares, with one single plot at the north of the appellation. The terroir is archetypal of the best terroirs in Châteauneuf: rolled pebbles on the surface, sand, clay and limestone deeper down. The vines are old and have been organically grown for 50 years, which has allowed the roots to grow exceptionally deep.

    • Ageing: Each variety is harvested separately and manually. Vinification takes place in oak fermenters for the reductive varieties (Mourvèdre, Syrah) and in traditional enameled concrete tanks for the Oxidative grapes (all the others). Once the malolactic fermentation is finished, the Famille Perrin blends the different varieties. The blend is then aged in oak Foudres for a year before being bottled.”

Suggested Food Pairing

Vegetarian info: Pairing Bold Red Wines with Vegetarian or Vegan Food

Steaks or Chops with Wine Pan Sauce

The original Craig Claiborne recipe was printed in the New York Times in 1967 and called “Veal Chops Beau Séjour”.  It has since been published on the NYT Cooking website under the same title.  Here’s the link to what must have been a haute cuisine recipe at the time.  It’s very adaptable various meat and wine choices.

Vicki O’Briant’s “I’m almost too tired to cook” version:

 Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 4 steaks or chops (pork, veal or lamb) chops, about 1 ½ inches thick

• Flour for dredging

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 peeled garlic cloves

• 1 large (or 2 small) bay leaves

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons of the red wine you are serving for dinner

• 1/2 cup chicken stock

Process:

• Pour yourself a glass of wine or mix a martini or cocktail of your choice.  Take a sip.

• Place dinner plates in warm oven

• Heat the oil and 2T butter in a skillet to sizzling.  Don’t cover the pan but have a lid handy for later.

• Dredge the meat in flour and brown well in skillet.

• Put garlic, bay leaves, thyme and salt & pepper in pan.

• Reduce heat to low and cover pan.  Cook until meat is your desired level of doneness.

• Remove meat to warmed plates.

• Add wine to skillet and cook over med-high heat until almost evaporated.

• Add chicken stock and continue to reduce until saucy.

• Turn off the burner and stir in the last tablespoon of butter.

• Pour the sauce over the meat and discard the bay leaf.

• Serve with mashed potatoes, a salad or green veg.

• Cocktail should be finished by now.

• Don’t leave the dinner table until the wine bottle is empty.