WTN Chateauneuf du pape Beaucastel 1999

[tcizma]

Took this bottle out to dinner the other night with a friend of mine who always claims my Pinot Noirs are too light and esoteric for his pallette.

Well, this wine got his attention, but sadly, it's nowhere near ready to be consumed.

Showing hints of brilliance to come, dark concentrated spicy fruit. It had a subdued funkiness, sort of lurking below the surface.

Really, too tightly wrapped to get much out of it besides a punch in the mouth, but a few years from now it should be gushing fruit and smoke and pepper and... well, all that good Rhone stuff

[primowino]

Glad to hear it, as I have a couple of bottles of the stuff and planned on drinking it when my youngest son (born in 1999) is 18 and 21. Any comments on whether it will stand the test of time?

[Schneier]

I have a case of half bottles in my basement.

[tcizma]

History says yes, and it is showing signs of aging well. I say buy some more and drink a bottle every couple of years to see how it's getting on.

[Venado]

Last had from my cellar on Christmas 2002, with a standing rib roast...and without notes, I do remember it be young, but assertive and full, and round in full flavor, with medium to strong tannins. My non wine geek guests spoke more highly of the Beaucastel than my ribroast...so, go figure!!! Maybe I can't cook.

I am still sitting on a few bottles...and it won't hurt to wait a little longer.

Venado