Château de Beaucastel Rouge 2015

96/100 Robert Parker Bottled in late July, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape is an amazing effort, especially when one considers the production volume. Loaded with black cherry fruit and cola-like spice, this full-bodied, richly textured wine never seems heavy or warm, while exotic Indian spice notes linger on the finish. It should drink well for at least 20 years.
According to Marc Perrin, "2016 has this extra balance that really makes it unique." But I would point out that the 2015s at this historic property are also top notch. The family continues to espouse the use of foudres for most of their wines, feeling, says Marc, "We have high levels of tannins already." If you count all of the holdings outside Châteauneuf, the family owns probably the single largest vineyard estate in the Southern Rhône, with 350 hectares being farmed organically. Those other estates appear under the Famille Perrin heading.