Beaucastel Roussanne Vielle Vignes 2006

Straw gold colour, with yellow gold tones
Intense, the nose is ripe on yellow peach, jasmine, sweet spices, and honey. The mouth is round and full bodied, showing a great volume and freshness from its mineral finish.
Concentrated wine showing a great balance from a great white wine vintage.

Expert Review

98 Wine Advocate
The limited cuvee of 100% old vine Roussanne (50% vinified in barrel and 50% in tank), the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape blanc Vieilles Vignes is an extraordinary wine. Since the debut vintage in 1986, I have been unable to figure out how to predict this cuvee’s aging potential, but I tend to agree with most sommeliers who feel this wine needs to be drunk in its first 4-6 years of life, then not touched again until age 12-15. It is so amazing, I usually drink it as quickly as I can get my hands on a few bottles. The sensational 2006 possesses a wonderful honeysuckle note interwoven with marmalade, tropical fruit, peaches, and buttery pastry characteristics, and zesty acidity despite a thick, full-bodied, rich texture. It is difficult to find a better white Chateauneuf du Pape than Beaucastel. Much like their reds, their whites are made in a style that is atypical for the appellation. It is put through full malolactic, and one-third is barrel fermented, then blended with the two-thirds that is aged in tank. Extraordinarily rich and honeyed, it is ideal for drinking with intensely flavored culinary dishes.

“Has a gorgeous texture, with creamy notes of fresh sweetened butter, warm brioche, fig, anise, fennel and melon. The long finish has a great minerally spine and a lingering hint of persimmon. Very well-integrated already, but there’s a lot in reserve. This offers hedonism now, or more elegance with age. Drink now through 2021.”

The Wine Spectator 96 points

Food Pairings

Scallops, prawns, langoustines, lobster, sea bass in salt crust and olive oil.