Robert Parker
The opaque ruby/purple-colored 2000 offers a profoundly sweet perfume of melted licorice, blackberries, and black cherries backed up by loads of glycerin, full body, and moderately high but sweet, well-integrated tannin. There is a seamlessness to the 2000 that makes it not only accessible early, but absolutely delicious already, and thus atypical for Beaucastel. The 1985 behaved in this manner when young, but the 2000 possesses much more stuffing and power. A brilliant Beaucastel! Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025. It is a classic blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and the balance other permitted varietals.