Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2007

97 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Now at 15 years after the vintage, the 2007 Châteauneuf Du Pape is firmly in its prime drink window and is just about overflowing with character. Sweet black raspberries, red plums, incense, herbes de Provence, leather, and lavender all carry incredible intensity and richness, and this gives way to a full-bodied Beaucastel with the classic 2007 opulence and sexiness. Sweet tannins, full-bodied richness, and a singular character all define this magical Châteauneuf du Pape that will continue evolving for another two decades. Don't let that discourage you, though, it's drinking at point today. Drink: 2023-2043. (5/22/23)"

97 points (18.5/20) La Revue du Vin de France: "The red Chateauneuf [2007] is a pure marvel of balance, between maturity, freshness and distinction. (2010)"

96 points Robert Parker: "Beaucastel’s 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape has turned out even better out of bottle than I predicted. An inky/ruby/purple color is followed by a glorious nose of blue and black fruits, truffles, pen ink, licorice, and meat juices as well as glorious levels of acidity and sweet tannin, buttressing the fruit’s fabulous freshness and vibrancy. This full-bodied effort still displays considerable tannin, no doubt because of the relatively high Mourvedre content. It should resolve its tannins in 2-4 years, and last for 25 or more. (Oct 2009)"

96 points Wine Spectator: "This extremely dense red delivers layers of melted fig, mulled boysenberry and black currant fruit, all laced with notes of charred mesquite, hoisin sauce and Kenya AA coffee. The long, silky mouthfeel belies the latent power in reserve¿and there's a lot of it, with waves of grip driving the finish. Best from 2010 through 2030. (12/15/09)"

96 points Falstaff Guide: "Delicately animal-tinged spice, sweet black berry confit, notes of dried herbs, floral nuances in the background, some licorice and vanilla. Very juicy, hints of ripe plums, complex thanks to fully mature tannins, lively structure, mineral touch on the finish, lingers long and sweet, dark berry fruit in the aftertaste, already beginning to develop well, has a convincing length. (3/23/18)"

94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Deep ruby. Powerful, pungent aromas evoke kirsch, blackberry, smoky herbs and dried flowers. Energetic, penetrating cherry and dark berry flavors are enlivened by juicy acidity and given spine by a tangy mineral quality. A floral quality sneaks in with air, along with notes of allspice and star anise. The finish is sappy, focused and very long, with herbs and flowers lingering. (Jan/Feb 2010)"

94 points Wine & Spirits: "Heady with scents of licorice, plums, earth and spice, this wine makes good on all those promises on the palate, and does so gently but firmly, the flavors feeling light but leaving an indelible impression on the tongue. In every way the wine feels natural, effortless, as if it's a simple representation of an exceptional piece of land in an excellent vintage. (Feb 2010)"

San Francisco Chronicle: "Beaucastel is a known quantity in Chateauneuf, but the Perrin family's estate was in fantastic form this year. The wine is a bit closed now, leaning more on fruit. Spiced plum, tar, dried sage and blackberry all intersect in a tangy, almost saline, palate. A cocoa-like warmth adds to the finish, while refined tannins hint at the wine's ability to grow over the next 15 years or more. (12/20/09)"

Wall Street Journal: "For all its power this is a very complete and seamless Beaucastel, with hints of leather and spice on the nose, buckets of fruit and a long finish that foretells its brilliant future. Very tightly coiled just now, it should be held five years though it will improve for 20. (6/12/10)"