2020 Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 1.5L MAGNUM

Very dense black-fruit aromas, but also licorice, an entire microcosm of spice and a whiff of smoked bacon. Very dense and meaty with an incredible tannin structure that enables this to be simultaneously very big and elegant. Super-long finish with enormous mineral freshness.

Beaucastel's 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape is shaping up as a blend of 30% each Grenache and Mourvèdre, with 10% each Counoise and Syrah, plus 20% other permitted varieties, including a healthy proportion of white grapes. Complex and red-fruited, with hints of flowers and garrigue, it's expansive and richly textured on the palate, finishing long and silky. Best after 2023. 

Fresh and bright nose, then a palate with exceptionally smooth and fine tannins, lovely acidity and notes of blackberry and raspberry juice. Particularly fine, elegant and balanced this year. Grenache and Cinsault fermented in cement, Syrah and Mourvèdre fermented in foudre.

Showing a stunning combination of power and grace, this is just entering its prime. Boasts beautifully integrated layers of red plum, crunchy cherry and dusty thyme, melded with finely crushed graphite and a sultry waft of incense and apple wood smoke. Pleasingly chewy, with tannins holding firm and a cool menthol note on the mineral-rich finish. Large in scale and complex, there's nothing heavy-handed about this wine. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise, Vaccarèse, Terret Blanc, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul de Pinet, Bourboulenc, Picardan and Roussanne.