2007 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1045837 96 points Jeb Dunnuck

A straight up, phenomenal wine, this bottle of 2007 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape was double decanted (poured into a decanter and then back into the bottle) 12 hours prior to drinking and boasted gorgeous aromatics (blackberry, cassis, lavender, garrigue and roasted meat), full bodied power, serious concentration and unreal purity. Very polished and almost civilized by Beaucastel standards, this beauty should drink beautifully for 3 decades. Wow. 96+ (8/2010)

96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Beaucastel’s 2007 Châteauneuf du Pape has turned out even better out of bottle than I predicted. An inky/ruby/purple color is followed by a glorious nose of blue and black fruits, truffles, pen ink, licorice, and meat juices as well as glorious levels of acidity and sweet tannin, buttressing the fruit’s fabulous freshness and vibrancy. This full-bodied effort still displays considerable tannin, no doubt because of the relatively high Mourvèdre content. It should resolve its tannins in 2-4 years, and last for 25 or more. (RP) (10/2009)

96 points Wine Spectator

This extremely dense red delivers layers of melted fig, mulled boysenberry and black currant fruit, all laced with notes of charred mesquite, hoisin sauce and Kenya AA coffee. The long, silky mouthfeel belies the latent power in reserve—and there's a lot of it, with waves of grip driving the finish. Best from 2010 through 2030. *Collectibles* (JM) (12/2009)

94 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Deep ruby. Powerful, pungent aromas evoke kirsch, blackberry, smoky herbs and dried flowers. Energetic, penetrating cherry and dark berry flavors are enlivened by juicy acidity and given spine by a tangy mineral quality. A floral quality sneaks in with air, along with notes of allspice and star anise. The finish is sappy, focused and very long, with herbs and flowers lingering. (JR) (1/2010)