2001 Chateauneuf du Pape

Still incredibly youthful and a touch reserved (especially when compared to the ’00), the 2001 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape still needs another 5 years to truly shine. At present, it delivers a dense, pure bouquet of meaty dark fruits, game, ripe herb, and licorice, medium to full -body, brilliant concentration, and a long, classic finish. This gradually opens in the glass so if drinking anytime soon, a short decant or longer double decant is recommended.

Much more developed than the 2005. A lot more undergrowth and leather and tertiary characters. Very leathery on the palate but not at all lean. No primary fruit remaining but the fruit flesh is still there. And the tannins still surprisingly present. (JH)

Pretty gamey and very dry on the finish. This particular bottle, shown by Justerinis in London, was not showing that well – very dry. (JR)