Château de Beaucastel Hommage a Jacques Perrin 2018

Château de Beaucastel is one of the oldest and most prominent properties within Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the southern Rhône appellation.  The estate dates back to the 16th century. The owners of Château de Beaucastel like to say, Beaucastel is, first of all, a family story, the story of Famille Perrin.  The late Jacques Perrin, who was considered "by many to be one of Rhône Valley's most brilliant and philosophical winemakers", as noted by famed critic Robert Parker Jr., famously established three principles: 1) a wine must be made naturally, 2) the percentage of Mouvèdre in the blend must be signifant, and 3) the wine's character and intrincic qaulities cannot be compromised by modern technology. He passed away in 1978, leaving the family estate in the capable hands of his sons, Jean-Pierre and François.  They carried on Jacques Perrin's traditions while improving the quality of their wine even further.  In honor of their father, the sons created this special cuvée from 5 acres of the choicest plot of their vineyard. Hommage à Jacques Perrin is a tribute to Jacques Perrin, literally and figuratively.

Many lovers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape agree if there was one property that captures the rugged wildness mixed with the unbridled, rampant hedonism of this appellation once favored by the Popes, Château de Beaucastel would be it. Beaucastel produces the longest-lived red wine of southern Rhône, using 100% organic methods on its vast vineyard. Its vines have an average age of 50 years, through a meticulous rotational replanting program.

Beaucastel Hommage à Jacques Perrin is a true cult wine only produced in the best vintages. Only 400-425 cases are made, making it the rarest offering of Chateau de Beaucstel. Yet, if a buyer is lucky enough to get hold of such a treasure, it is worth the price. The grapes are destemmed, and the wine is aged for 12-18 months in neutral French oak barrels.  The grapes are vinified separately.  It has tremendous ageing potential, and it is recommended that one cellars it for the long haul.

"Red-fruited and garrigue-laden, the nose of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage à Jacques Perrin is glorious, showing remarkable complexity in its notes of cherries, raspberries and strawberries, all accented by hints of bay leaf, lavender and thyme, plus deeper bass notes of black olives, roasted meat, espresso, star anise and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and intense, it seems to have added structure since last year, with a firm matrix of tannins holding it all together and lingering on the lengthy finish. Put this Mourvèdre-based blend (approximately 60%) away for five or more years; it should drink well for a couple of decades beyond that." - Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate (12/30/2020, Issue 252), Ratings: 99, Drink: 2025-2045