Château de Beaucastel 1999

"The 1999 Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape is a profoundly rich, concentrated, classic vin de garde. Made from 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and the remainder a blend of other varietals, it is one of the blackest, most opaque-colored Beaucastels of the last decade. The bouquet offers aromas of licorice, roasted meats, black cherry and blackberry fruit, and a truffle-like earthy note. Broodingly backward, formidably endowed, powerful, and extremely tannic, it will require 8-10 years of cellaring, and should age effortlessly for three decades or more." - Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate (10/27/2000, Issue 131), Ratings: 91-95, Drink: 2008-2030