Château de Beaucastel Hommage à Jacques Perrin Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021

Very darkly coloured indeed. An extraordinarily deep and Mourvèdre-heavy fug of a scent; deep, but so fresh and searching. It’s not overly full-bodied or heavy. Great surging acidity. It’s tannic and will take a long time to soften, but promises great freshness and a long life – don’t open too young. Around 60% of the blend comes from old-vine Mourvèdre from the Courrieux vineyard. Grapes are destemmed, fermented in tronconic wooden vats using natural yeasts after a brief cold maceration with regular punching down. Drinking window: 2033-2050. Score – 99. (Matt Walls, decanter.com, Dec. 2, 2022)