Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Château de Beaucastel, Roussanne Vieilles Vignes, Perrin - Château de Beaucastel 2005

The 2005 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape blanc Vieilles Vignes is a knock-out wine in this vintage, 100% Roussanne from very old vines with 50% of it kept in tank and 50% barrel-fermented and the blend done prior to bottling. The wine has fabulous intensity, a big, sweet nose of exotic fruit, fig, marmalade, and honeysuckle, huge body, decent acidity, and an unctuous palate. It is a gorgeous wine to drink over 3-4 years or assume the risk that it is going to rebound in 10-12 years, which it most frequently does.

Yellow-gold. Intensely floral aromas of jasmine, beeswax and coconut-accented orange and pear. Lush and weighty, with powerful pear, tangerine and nougat flavors accompanied by exotic oak notes. This reminds me of high-end white Bordeaux. Tightens up on the back, where bright mineral and citrus pith notes give shape and grip to the intensely sweet fruit. The finish of this wine is endless.