Beaucastel Chateauneuf Du Pape 2013

Looking at the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape, I was able to taste the individual components, with each showing fantastic depth and richness. The Mourvedre is the star of the show and had blockbuster levels of concentration and depth, with perfectly ripe tannin. While certainly not a Grenache year, even this variety showed well here, and it's obvious that the multiple passes through the vineyard during harvest and then multiple sorts in the winery paid off. This should come together beautifully in bottle and be one of the vintage's strongest efforts. JEB DUNNUCK

Inky ruby. Expressive aromas of cherry, black raspberry, licorice and smoky minerals, with a dark chocolate element building slowly. Then tightly wound and focused on the palate, offering intense flavors of dark berries, bitter cherry and candied flowers. Powerful but at the same time quite elegant, finishing with wonderful clarity and length and smooth tannins. JOSH RAYNOLDS