The 2005 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape blanc Vieilles Vignes is a knock-out wine in this vintage, 100% Roussanne from very old vines with 50% of it kept in tank and 50% barrel-fermented and the blend done prior to bottling. The wine has fabulous intensity, a big, sweet nose of exotic fruit, fig, marmalade, and honeysuckle, huge body, decent acidity, and an unctuous palate. It is a gorgeous wine to drink over 3-4 years or assume the risk that it is going to rebound in 10-12 years, which it most frequently does.
Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802