For several years some of the world's most renowned wine writers have been singing the praise of the Perrin family (owners of Chateau de Beaucastel) wines. Unfortunately, this praise has made these wines quite pricey compared to most the other wines in the region. In the Southern Rhone, the 2000 vintage was very good to exceptional and Beaucastel's 2000 Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a stunning wine that perfectly expresses the seductive nature of top Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines. Ruby red-purple colored, this wine has a very expressive fruity nose. In the mouth, this full-bodied and velvet textured wine combines ripe dark fruit and coffee and spice flavors. This is a rich and opulent wine that matches perfectly with an elegant lamb dish. Serve at 18 C.
John H. Isacs