Chateau Beaucastel 2010 Chateauneuf-Du-Pape

Deep red and heavily extracted. This wine had huge fruit character with intense blackberry and black plum notes, along with herbs, spice and hints of earthiness and mushrooms. Very complex and high alcohol give it a 'real mouthfill' character. Made from 30% Grenache, 30% Mouvdere, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and the balance being a mix of other varietals. There was a sulpury component on opening the wine - but this dissapated with time. It probably also needed another 5-7 years of careful cellaring to really hit its straps. I really enjoyed the opportunity to taste this wine and would put it back on the shopping list for future vintages.