Superb golden color, deep and luminous. The nose, of great complexity, reveals intense aromas of roasted apricots, honey, toffee and acacia flowers, subtly enhanced by spicy notes of cloves and ginger. On the palate, the wine is very elegant, rich, powerful and airy, with a silky texture and remarkable freshness. Flavors of candied citrus, melted butter and white truffles intertwine with wilder touches of undergrowth and exotic fruit like pineapple. A delicate salinity and a slight bitterness perfectly balance the generosity of this wine. A unique vintage, of remarkable elegance, which aptly illustrates the finesse and depth of this emblematic cuvée from our old Roussanne vines, which flourish wonderfully on this exceptional terroir.
There are roughly 600 cases of the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes, a 100% Roussanne from very old vines brought up 50% new oak and 50% once-used. It too is flat-out awesome, with honeyed quince, green almond, white flowers, orange liqueur, and a liqueur of rocks-like minerality. It's full-bodied, has a pure, layered mouthfeel, fabulous concentration, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. If you see it, buy it. I don’t see this being the longest-lived vintage of this cuvée, but who cares? It’s sensational stuff. - 98pts Jeb Dunnuck
A stunning, precise, ample and textured roussanne, proposing aromas of dried lemon, dried mango, anise, wild herbs, verbena and some mild spices as well. It’s medium- to full-bodied with an oily texture. It’s round, suave and harmonious. Delicious and flavorful with layers. Vibrant with a vivid herbal and baked-lemon character providing plenty of vitality and verve. A brilliant expression on old-vine roussanne with so much focus and poise. Long finish. Drink or hold. - 98pts James Suckling
Crafted entirely from old vines of Roussanne, the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes matured in 50% new oak barrels and demi-muids from Chassaing and Dargaud & Jaegle and 50% in one-year-old barrels without undergoing malolactic fermentation. It exhales a deep, complex and elegant bouquet of honey, linden, spices, ripe orchard fruit and marmalade. Full-bodied, round and sappy, concentrated and textured, it’s dense and seamless with a rich texture and subtle, elegant, refined acidity that segues into a long, rich finish. With its substantial aging potential, it is poised to age beautifully. - 97pts Wine Advocate
Prominent lime flesh, ripe pear, lemon peel, saffron, herbal tea and a dash of wet stone shape the gorgeous 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Roussanne Vieilles Vignes. Showing off with class and refinement, the 2023 hums with life. Walking off the stage with a bold yet flawlessly elegant finish, this is a gorgeous Roussanne Vieilles Vignes that matches the quality of the equally enticing 2022 I tasted earlier this year. - 95pts Vinous
Winemaker Notes
Superb golden color, deep and luminous. The nose, of great complexity, reveals intense aromas of roasted apricots, honey, toffee and acacia flowers, subtly enhanced by spicy notes of cloves and ginger. On the palate, the wine is very elegant, rich, powerful and airy, with a silky texture and remarkable freshness. Flavors of candied citrus, melted butter and white truffles intertwine with wilder touches of undergrowth and exotic fruit like pineapple. A delicate salinity and a slight bitterness perfectly balance the generosity of this wine. A unique vintage, of remarkable elegance, which aptly illustrates the finesse and depth of this emblematic cuvée from our old Roussanne vines, which flourish wonderfully on this exceptional terroir.
Professional Ratings
98
Jeb DunnuckThere are roughly 600 cases of the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes, a 100% Roussanne from very old vines brought up 50% new oak and 50% once-used. It too is flat-out awesome, with honeyed quince, green almond, white flowers, orange liqueur, and a liqueur of rocks-like minerality. It's full-bodied, has a pure, layered mouthfeel, fabulous concentration, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. If you see it, buy it. I don’t see this being the longest-lived vintage of this cuvée, but who cares? It’s sensational stuff.
98
James SucklingA stunning, precise, ample and textured roussanne, proposing aromas of dried lemon, dried mango, anise, wild herbs, verbena and some mild spices as well. It’s medium- to full-bodied with an oily texture. It’s round, suave and harmonious. Delicious and flavorful with layers. Vibrant with a vivid herbal and baked-lemon character providing plenty of vitality and verve. A brilliant expression on old-vine roussanne with so much focus and poise. Long finish. Drink or hold.
97
Wine AdvocateCrafted entirely from old vines of Roussanne, the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes matured in 50% new oak barrels and demi-muids from Chassaing and Dargaud & Jaegle and 50% in one-year-old barrels without undergoing malolactic fermentation. It exhales a deep, complex and elegant bouquet of honey, linden, spices, ripe orchard fruit and marmalade. Full-bodied, round and sappy, concentrated and textured, it’s dense and seamless with a rich texture and subtle, elegant, refined acidity that segues into a long, rich finish. With its substantial aging potential, it is poised to age beautifully.
95
VinousProminent lime flesh, ripe pear, lemon peel, saffron, herbal tea and a dash of wet stone shape the gorgeous 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Roussanne Vieilles Vignes. Showing off with class and refinement, the 2023 hums with life. Walking off the stage with a bold yet flawlessly elegant finish, this is a gorgeous Roussanne Vieilles Vignes that matches the quality of the equally enticing 2022 I tasted earlier this year.
About the Producer
The first evidence of Chateau de Beaucastel as it exists today is in the sixteenth century. In 1909, Pierre Traminer bought the estate and then transferred it to his son-in-law Pierre Perrin, a scientist who further developed Beaucastel. His son, Jacques, continued his father's efforts until 1978 and today, the torch is carried by Jacques' sons, Jean-Pierre and Francois. They are joined by the fifth generation of Perrins-Marc, Pierre, Thomas, Cecile, Charles, Matthieu, and Cesar. The vineyards of Chateau de Beaucastel are located on historic land where each of the 13 approved grapes varietals of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation are planted. The art of blending these 13 grapes has been passed down from one generation to the next. Beaucastel is, first of all, a family story, the story of Famille Perrin. Their main strength is being able to blend the talents of each family member to run the wine estate under common values: absolute respect for land and terroir; biodynamic culture as a philosophy of life; and the research of truth, balance, and elegance.
