2003 Chateau de Beaucastel Hommage a Jacques Perrin, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1x750ml

Robert Parker 95

Unfortunately, the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage A Jacques Perrin was subtly corked. You could still see its potential (and I recommended the table drink it quickly before the TCA became even more apparent), but this is the second corked bottle of this wine I’ve had in a row, which is slightly concerning. Coming mostly from a plot of old vines located behind the estate, the Perrin Family’s Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin was first created in 1989 and is a tribute to the late Jacques Perrin, who passed away in 1978. Aged all in foudre and normally a blend of 60% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache, 10% Counoise and the rest Syrah, it’s only produced in top vintages and there’s normally a scant 400-500 cases to go around. It’s an incredible, yet atypical Chateauneuf du Pape due to its high Mourvedre content. While most vintages require upwards of a decade of cellaring, the more forward, sexy vintages can certainly be enjoyable in their youth as well. [Jeb Dunnuck, 01/02/2015]