13. Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005

Nearing the finish line, this Chateauneuf showed a complex yet slightly locked bouquet of blackberries, cherries, compote, licorice, kirsch, espresso, herbs and spice. The palate was superfine and tightly integrated into a solid fruit-tannin-oak ball. Deep structurally, this did seem too young and needs a fair amount of cellaring. Very promising though.