2015 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape (scuffed, nicked label)
SKU #1383863
97 points
James Suckling
All 13 grapes. This has a dark fruited, blueberry and blue plum nose with wide swinging tannins. Some white peppery elements, violets, brooding dark spices, blue fruits and dark plums. Builds from the ground up. Dark stones. Impressive, powerful wine. Drink from 2025. *Top 100 of 2017*
(1/2018)
97 points
Wine Spectator
A stunner from the get-go, with waves of thoroughly seductive boysenberry, plum, blueberry and raspberry reduction forming the core, while roasted apple wood, rooibos tea, bergamot, and anise notes flash throughout. Has plenty of bass, with a Turkish coffee accent and a hint of alder driving underneath. Everything moves in lockstep through the seriously long finish. Best from 2020 through 2045. *Collectibles* (JM)
(2/2018)
96 points
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2015 Chateauneuf Du Pape is a blend of 30% each of Grenache and Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and the rest a mix of permitted varieties. It's unquestionably one of the successes of the vintage. Black cherries, currants, garrigue, crushed rocks, and tapenade all soar from the glass of this beautiful, layered, ripe, decadent red that’s going to keep for 2-3 decades.
(3/2018)
96 points
Wine Advocate
Bottled in late July, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape is an amazing effort, especially when one considers the production volume. Loaded with black cherry fruit and cola-like spice, this full-bodied, richly textured wine never seems heavy or warm, while exotic Indian spice notes linger on the finish. It should drink well for at least 20 years. (JC)
(10/2017)
95 points
Decanter
This is the current release. Youthful and lifted on the nose with notes of red cherries, raspberries and a hint of pepper. Tannins are firm with plenty of grip and tension, but harmonious with a mineral core on the finish. A vintage of great definition to leave in peace for at least a decade. Drinking Window 2025-2035. (CG)
(11/2017)
93-95 points
Vinous
Brilliant ruby. Spice-accented aromas of ripe red fruits, candied flowers, earth and smoky minerals; a zesty white pepper quality emerges with aeration. Sweet, expansive and energetic on the palate, offering intense raspberry, spicecake and lavender flavors and a subtle touch of smoke. Completely stains the palate and shows outstanding clarity on the strikingly long, focused finish, where smooth tannins make a late appearance. (JR)
(3/2017)
Jancis Robinson
Superb juiciness and bramble fruits. Some blackcurrant notes on the palate, a very savoury cigar and cedar character and a gentle Provençal herby note. Loads of breadth and complexity. (RH)
(10/2016)