One of the World's Best Whites

Beaucastel Vieilles Vignes 2004

This pure Roussanne from 50 plus year old vines has long been the standard bearer of greatness in white Chateauneuf du Pape, and the 2004 rendition absolutely continues the trend. An extremely deep hued, brilliant golden color hints that this juice is a force to be reckoned with from the get go. Formidably complex aromas tare the senses up, riveting notions of orange marmalade, honey coated pineapples, lanolin and green tea leaves detonate themselves from the glass. This Roussanne is supremely precise in the mouth, with a flan-like texture that I find captivating, as well as hedonistically satisfying. Controlled explosions of crushed rocks and buttered walnuts cascade through the wine’s marathon-like finish, leaving me nearly exhausted from the tasting experience. I defy all producers of Chateauneuf to rival Beaucastel’s haunting expression of Roussanne, as this wine belongs on stage for the world’s best wines, period, 96 points.

To anyone that has yet to try this, I imagine there is something within this wine that will dazzle just about any aficionado. Ever wish your Chenin Blanc was just a bit more generous and fat? Want your Burgundy to be a tad more interesting? Perhaps you are a Viognier fan that craves more depth? Time to step up to the plate…