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Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vig 2012
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceA rare drink with only 6000 bottles made. The "Vieilles Vignes" as the Perrin family refers to it, is made with 90+ year old roussanne vines that are always picked just past their due date. A bizarre vintage that was both late, then cold, then hot and very windy but otherwise the hours of sunshine between April and September were plentiful and comparable to 2010. The crop was very healthy and phenolic maturity was good; the alcohol was moderate. Yields in 2012 were slightly lower than average at 24hl/h. The balance is striking the fruit predictably voluptuous but with excellent acidity. Fermentation takes place 50% in barrels and 50% in stainless steel vats. Following malo-lactic fermentation, maturation for eight months, with 50% in oak barrels and 50% in vats, prior to bottling. Honey, orange marmalade and white flowers are the story here but with freshness. A remarkable bottle of amazing complexity and length. Rich curries would be a fine food choice. Fabulous young and fabulous old but according to Thomas Perrin not to be drunk in between.Tasted: 06 March 2014Tasted by: Anthony Gismondi and Stuart TobePrices:| AB | $130.00 | 750ml | fine wine shops |
| ON | $160.00 | 750ml | |
| BC | $151.00 | 750ml | specialty listing |
Grape: RoussanneCSPC: 614503UPC: 633135062133
