2013 Famille Perrin Chateauneuf Du Pape Les Sinards

Youthful Hedonism at Château de Beaucastel

The Perrin family’s Château de Beaucastel is the southern Rhône estate by which all others are defined. The old vines of Beaucastel push out singular blends in every vintage, reflecting not only the place in which they’re grown but also the drama of each growing season. Since the release of the 2009 vintage, we’ve treated our membership to an annual allocation of the Perrin’s sensational old-vine Châteauneuf-du-Papes — offered between $80-$100 per bottle.

But each year we’ve made a second request that had always been denied — until now. The Perrins make another Châteauneuf-du-Pape drawn entirely from their estate’s younger plantings, vines of 15 to 25 years of age. While not as broad, dense, and alcoholic as the old-vine cuvée, the Beaucastel “Jeunes Vignes” is one of the most seductive and charming bargains of the southern Rhône.

The spring of 2013 was one of the coolest on record. High temperatures in a number of days in April and May didn’t exceed 40 degrees. But the spring wasn’t just cold, it was wet. To put it in perspective, 165 millimeters of rain fell during the spring months of 2012. In the exceedingly dry 2011 vintage, total spring rainfall was just 17 millimeters. In 2013, 212 millimeters of rain fell.

The cold, damp conditions slowed down the maturation cycle to a crawl, particularly of Beaucastel’s prized, head-trained Grenache. But in late June and July, the weather turned on a dime. A series of hot summer days not only jump-started ripening, but so dried out the vines that there was suddenly concern about hydric stress. A perfectly timed flash storm in late July rejuvenated thirsty Grenache, setting the Perrins up for a glorious stretch run.

Harvest was particularly stretched out in 2013. The first Syrah was harvested in late September, while the last of the late-maturing Mourvèdre wouldn’t be brought in until the first week of November. While the berries were ultra-sweet, sugar levels were in perfect check. There was no sign whatsoever of the desiccation that often plagues Châteauneuf. Clusters were clean. Berry size was small. Acids were firm, fresh, and vibrant.

We adored this wine. The 2013 Famille Perrin Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Sinards is drawn from Beaucastel estate vines between 15 and 25 years of age. Saturated ruby-purple in color. Explosive primary-fruit aromas of crushed blackberry, black raspberry, black cherry, and smoke. Rich, juicy, and polished on the attack, filled with black raspberry jam, sweet spice, and violets, finishing with superb tension and persistence. Drink now for its youthful hedonism or lay down until 2025 and beyond.

$50 on release. A STEAL today at $35. This is a fabulous look at the genius of Beaucastel for bargain-hunters and collectors alike. Shipping included on 4.

• ABV 14.00%
• Enjoy right away
• % Rhone Blend