2005 Chateau de Beaucastel Hommage a Jacques Perrin, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1x750ml

Robert Parker 97+

A classic example of the vintage, the 2005 Châteauneuf du Pape Hommage À Jacques Perrin is made from 60% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache, and the rest Counoise and Syrah. Inky colored, it offers an iron, beef-blood and gamey aromatic profile to go with gorgeous purity and focus on the palate. Reminding me of the 2010, yet even more firm and focused, this full-bodied effort will need another 7-8 years to start to show maturity, and will have upward of 40-50 years of overall longevity. Coming mostly from a plot of old vines located behind the estate, the Perrin Family’s Châteauneuf du Pape Hommage à 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 Châteauneuf du Pape due to its high Mourvèdre 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, 02/01/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2055

Vinous 97

(about two-thirds mourvedre) Opaque purple. An explosive, room-filling bouquet of ripe raspberry, blackcurrant and boysenberry scents, along with sexy floral, herb and cured meat nuances. Incredibly silky, with medium-weight red and dark berry preserve and cured tobacco flavors and superb mineral lift. Velvety tannins melt into the deep, dark fruit, which carries endlessly through the finish. A hypnotic, supremely compelling wine, with the depth and balance to age for years and years. If you’ve got the means, get some. [Josh Raynolds, 01/01/2008]