2022 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the flagship from one of the Rhône's most storied estates, blending all 13 permitted varieties (30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, 10% Counoise, plus small amounts of whites like Roussanne, Picpoul, etc.) from biodynamically farmed, old vines on the northern edge of the appellation. The 2022 vintage—a sunny, ripe year with excellent balance—was hand-harvested, with Grenache/Cinsault in cement tanks and Syrah/Mourvèdre in foudres; all aged 100% in large foudres (no small barrels) for 12–18 months to preserve freshness and terroir. Deep purple hue, aromas of wild black berries, dark cherries, licorice, spices, chocolate, garrigue, and Provençal herbs; medium-to-full-bodied with dense, velvety tannins, seamless texture, peppery mid-palate, and long, mineral finish. Critics are losing their minds over this wine: Jeb Dunnuck 95 ("overflowing... reminds me of 2009"), Wine Advocate 94 ("deep and dense... velvety tannins"), Vinous 94 ("ripe and refined... highly recommended"), James Suckling 97 ("textured, layered... enormous mineral freshness"). Drinkable now and will cellar for another 20 years.

Château de Beaucastel, owned by Famille Perrin since 1909 (roots to 1549), spans 100+ hectares in biodynamic conversion, famed for its complex, age-worthy style that balances power and elegance. The Perrins (Marc, Pierre, Thomas, et al.) emphasize organic/biodynamic farming, whole-cluster ferments where apt, and foudre aging to let the galets-roulés soils shine through Mourvèdre's meaty spine and Grenache's fruit. 2022 captures the vintage's generosity—ripe yet fresh—with Beaucastel's signature spice, garrigue, and longevity, outperforming many peers in a year of high quality across Châteauneuf.

Why You'll Love It

• No surprise critics are losing their minds over this wine: 97 JS, 95 JD, 94 WA/Vinous—ripe, expressive 2022 with density, velvety tannins, and 20-year potential rivaling 2009.

• All-13-grape complexity: Biodynamic old vines yield black fruits, garrigue, licorice, and spice in foudre-aged harmony—no small oak heaviness.

• Benchmark estate in top vintage: Perrins' mastery shines in sunny 2022, delivering sunny richness with freshness and structure for cellaring or drinking.

How to Serve It

• Decant 1–2 hours (or double-decant) to unfurl aromas and melt tannins; serve 60–65°F in large Rhône or Burgundy stems.

• Grill lamb chops, braised short ribs, wild game, or mushroom ragù—its spice and density match hearty meats.

• Drink now–2027 for fruit, hold through 2042.

Critical Acclaim

97 Points, James Suckling

"A textured, layered, precise red, showcasing aromas of cherries, raspberries, warm herbs, bay leaves and baking spices. It’s medium- to full-bodied with silty, beautifully melted tannins. So integrated. Lively and focused, with plenty of energy and verve complementing the ripe red fruit and dried herbs. Intense stream of spices in the long, flavorful finish. From organically grown grapes. Try after 2027."

96 Points, Decanter

"Dark and inky in colour this year. It’s fresh in its berry fruits, really quite powerful, with muscular tannins and driving acidity behind. A dense, dark and brooding vintage of Beaucastel. The aromatic precision however is extremely impressive: elderberry, sloe and blackberry. It’s solid and will age well. Do not drink this young, as it will likely disappoint if opened too early. Grenache and Cinsault fermented in cement, Syrah and Mourvèdre fermented in foudres. Syrah and Counoise are whole bunch fermented.(MW)"

95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

"The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape is some serious Provençal goodness, with just about overflowing aromas and flavors of sweet raspberries, blackberries, peppery garrigue, and Provençal spices. It has the sunny, expressive, complex style of the vintage, medium to full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and a great finish. As with most 2022s, it has plenty of upfront charm yet solid underlying tannins as well. It reminds me slightly of the 2009 and will have two decades of longevity."