Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes 2019 (OWC 3)

Description

By Jeb Dunnuck in 2020 (JD99)
One of my favorite whites in the world is the old vine Roussanne cuvée from Beaucastel, which comes from a single 3-hectare parcel just outside the domaine, in the northern, cooler part of Châteauneuf du Pape. The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is another thrilling example of Roussanne and offers a vivid gold hue as well as gorgeous notes of white currants, honeysuckle, white flowers, crushed stone, and hints of gunpowder. With beautiful freshness, full-bodied richness, and ample power, it’s unquestionably the Montrachet of the Southern Rhône and a magical white. You can safely drink bottles anytime over the coming decade, then it’s best forgotten until around 20 years after the vintage.

By Wine Advocate in 2020 (WA98)
There are a mere 500 cases of the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes, which derives from vines planted in 1909. Showing fabulous richness and opulence allied to an impeccable sense of balance and nearly infinite persistence, it’s a tour de force of white Châteauneuf. Hints of roasted pineapple and grilled lime mark the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate boasts layers of honeyed, creamy decadence yet remains dry, zesty and refreshing at the same time. Like most great wines, it’s a study in seeming contradictions drawn together into seamless elegance. While there’s a chance this wine may go through a quiescent phase, it’s singing now, and if history is any indication, it will also drink well in a decade or so.

By Decanter in 2020 (MW95)
Not as immediately opulent aromatically, a little toastier than usual. Very full-bodied with noble bitterness. The oak makes itself known on the finish, but it’s all in good balance for the wine. Feels fairly dry, not quite such a rich and exotic style as usual. 50% goes into barriques, a quarter of which are renewed every year. The rest goes into stainless steel.