Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2004

96 points Wine Spectator: "Thoroughly primal, with a torrent of raspberry and boysenberry fruit rushing forth. Only shows hints of its full range, with licorice, incense, graphite and mocha flavors fluttering in the background. Has an iron-clad structure, with a long finish that shows great cut and grip. Best from 2009 through 2025. (5/15/07)"

94 points Jeb Dunnuck (Wine Advocate): "Showing brilliantly, with a deep, rich and layered profile, the straight 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape has gorgeous black cherry, earth, underbrush and background meatiness that gives way to a full-bodied, concentrated and pure feel on the palate. A foudre-aged blend of 30% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 5% Cinsault, with the balance a mix of the other permitted varieties, this knockout Chateauneuf du Pape will have another 10-15 years of prime drinking. (Feb 2014)"

93+ points Robert Parker: "One of the great successes of the vintage and certainly better than their 2003 is Beaucastel’s 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape. Deep ruby/purple in color with loads of licorice, smoked game, black cherry and blackberry fruit, along with incense and truffle, the wine has fabulous richness, high tannin, medium to full body, and beautiful length, richness, and purity. This is a beauty and one of the vintage’s finest wines. Give it 4-6 years of bottle age and drink it over the next 25+ years. It has the potential to be one of the longest-lived Chateauneuf du Papes of the vintage. Drink: 2011-2036. (2/27/07)"

93+ points Jeb Dunnuck: "Rich and meaty with stunning dark fruit, licorice, truffle and earthy notes; the 2004 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape has beautiful purity and impressive richness given the vintage. The palate is medium to full bodied with a tight, young and structured feel, plenty of fruit and ripe tannins on the finish. I'd be happy to have a couple of these in the cellar. (11/8/08)"

93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Ruby-red. Powerful red and dark berry aromas verge on liqueur-like but are enlivened by zesty mineral and anise accents. Lush, supple and sweet, with deep raspberry and cherry flavors, fine-grained tannins and complicating herb and smoked meat tones. Very smooth on the finish, which is sappy, deep in cherry flavor and impressively long. (Jan/Feb 2007)"