Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Château de Beaucastel, Roussanne Vieilles Vignes, Perrin - Château de Beaucastel 2014

A big step up over the classic cuvee (which isn’t always a given), the 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is 100% Roussanne from ancient vines, some of which are over 100 years in age. A deeper, richer version of the traditional cuvee, it reveals a medium-gold color to go with sensational notes of white currants, quince, brioche, honeysuckle and lemon curd. Full-bodied, beautifully concentrated and rich, yet with plenty of acidity, drink this elegant, balanced beauty anytime over the coming 2-3 decades.

100% roussanne planted in 1909, there's a low yielding concentration. The richness and texture is impressive, but it has a lightness, too. Bright peach and chalky minerals, with iodine and saline. Fresh and long. A great vintage with decades ahead.