Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010

97 poins Christelle Guibert Decanter: "According to François Perrin this was the perfect year, with rain at the perfect time and an Indian summer in September. This is so graceful, with blackberry aromas and black olive notes. It’s fleshy and expressive, with no lack of grip and tension. The fruit profile on the palate mirrors that on the nose. This masterpiece is vivid and harmonious with a chalky acidity and remarkable length. One to forget in the cellar for at least two decades. Drinking Window: 2025-2040. (11/18/17)"

96 points and 'Top 10 Wines of 2013 (#8),' Wine Spectator: "Dark, dense and very closed now, this has a tremendous core of crushed plum, linzer torte and blackberry confiture waiting in reserve. Ample singed cedar and mesquite, warm paving stone and black tea notes lurk in the background and glide through the finish. Features serious grip, but wonderful integration. Should cruise in the cellar. Best from 2016 through 2035. (10/31/13)"

96 points James Suckling: "Stunning nose, in which deep red-fruit character is married to meaty, spicy and caramel aromas. Powerful and very well structured, the tannins still very present, but the overwhelming impression is of elegance. Very long, dry finish with plenty of stony minerality. Gives a very good idea of the direction that the best 2020s will take. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. (3/14/22)"

96 points Wine Enthusiast: "The 2010 Beaucastel is a tour de force, brilliantly combining espresso and black olive notes with bright raspberry fruit, while dark earthy notes provide a solid base. The feel on the palate is ample, with tannins that are a bit dusty but not tough or chewy. The long, mouthwatering finish bodes well for the future. Drink now–2030. Alcohol 14.5%. (Feb 2015)"

95 points Robert Parker: "This is a gorgeous wine, a classic blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and the balance the other permitted varietals in the appellation. Deep purple, with loads of bouquet garni, beef blood, blackberry, kirsch, smoke and truffle, this wine is full-bodied, rich and showing even better than it did last year. I still think it needs 3-5 years of cellaring, and it should last for 25-30 years, as most of the top vintages of Beaucastel do. (Oct 2012)"

95 points Nicolas Greinacher (Vinous): "Alluring forest floor, ripe strawberry, melted licorice and peppery elements unfurl as the classic 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape opens in the glass. Full-bodied and concentrated, this serious wine delivers on all fronts, precisely combining substance, freshness and sophistication. The balance here is so impressive. An energetic and persistent close wraps it all up. Drink: 2026-2036. (Nov 2024)"

95 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Full, rich, meaty, spicy, earthy, peppery red fruits with herbs are all over the place here in the nose and on the palate. Splash decanted , the wine easily shows off its layers of ripe, peppery, dark red fruits with the touch of a bouquet garni. This is drinking quite well now and I expect it to improve over the next few years. (Jan 2022)"

95 points Falstaff Guide: "Deep ruby-garnet colour, purple reflections, broad rim brightening. Inviting dark forest berry confit, delicate floral nuances, ripe cherries, background with delicate smoky herbal savouriness and candied orange zest. Juicy, pronounced in fruit plum fruit, fine tannins, freshly structured, has good drinking animosity, remains long-lasting, already well-balanced, ripe cherries in the finish, delicate fruit also in the aftertaste, already drinkable, secure development and certain ageing potential. (8/29/13)"

19.5/20 points John Livingstone-Learmonth (The World of Fine Wine): "Dark robe, full to the brim. The nose reaches right across the glass, a profound heart to it; not much precisely on show just now. Its kernel is a mix of appealing cooked berries, with a note of smoked bacon, violet. It gives an image of a sun-filled, evocative slope: lots to look forward to over time, indeed. The palate is delicious, a most full display of fine-tuned berry fruits, real shine in them, and several layers of mystery. What will come next over time? Stimulating. The side lining of the tannins along the palate is excellent--they add sleek, nearly swift momentum and are real contributors. Very long. High-class Châteauneuf; grand pedigree. The precision of its persistence, an assemblage of many fine details, is striking. From 2016 to 2033/36. (Issue 43; 2014)"