2013 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Magnums (1.5 L) Magnum

Iconic Rhône Heavyweight in Magnum

Nearly every serious wine collector in the world is now well acquainted with the Perrin family’s iconic Châteauneuf-du-Papes at Château de Beaucastel, which were Robert Parker’s first 100-point superstars outside of Bordeaux and Burgundy. Ever since their first taste of perfection, this estate has been on fire.

For collectors, or anyone hoping to lay down a bottle for some special occasion down the road, this is a must-have. Magnums age beautifully, slowly gaining complexity over time—making them perfect special occasion wines and a conversation piece whenever and wherever they are opened.

Full-bodied, with juicy acidity beautifully balanced by youthful tannins, James Suckling found it packed with “blueberries, freshly picked strawberries and hints of herbs and spices,” in his 95-point review. Not only will this wine in magnum gain in complexity over time, it will increase in value as an investment—produced in tiny quantities, cellar-direct, resting in our temperature-controlled warehouse in perfect condition.

An early adopter of biodynamic farming, Beaucastel fully embraces all 13 permitted grape varieties of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which lends their wines incredible complexity and depth, though they are distinctive among Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines for using a significant portion of floral, expressive Mourvèdre. Located on one single 110-hectare plot in the north of the appellation, the vines at Beaucastel are subject to the stiff Mistral winds and deliver excruciatingly low yields and massive concentration of flavors. Once harvested, the grapes are pressed and aged in 500-liter oak casks and bottled after a light fining, and without filtration to retain maximum color and aromatic expression. The result is a wine of incredible depth, finesse, complexity, and longevity.  

Tasting the classic Beaucastel over decades, Parker’s superlatives are a real testament to the brilliance of this Châteauneuf house—a standard bearer for the AOC: The Advocate finds Beaucastel a: “sensational,” “rich, full-bodied, thick and unctuous,” red with “impressive purity and plenty of length,” and “voluptuous, mouth-filling texture,” redolent of “roasted herbs, licorice, caramelized meats and layers of black and blue fruits.”   

This is a wine that truly transcends personal taste: It’s not just for fans of Beaucastel, or even lovers of the Rhône. This is a red for any wine lover wishing to experience the absolute pinnacle of a world-class region, and knows that opportunities to do so—at the best price in the nation—are extremely rare.