2001 Beausoleil

Performing significantly better than it did from cask (it was always a bit disjointed and astringent), this estate is run by the late Jean-Michel Arcaute’s wife. The 2001 possesses a dense ruby/purple color as well as a big, chunky, full-throttle personality displaying abundant amounts of raspberry and blackberry flavors intermixed with hints of vanillin and espresso. This medium-bodied, nicely-textured, long 2001 may be a sleeper of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2014.