This weekend we started off with a blockbuster to kick off the Wine World Cup. Two Grenache blends, geographically not far from one another. I have enjoyed Priorats on a number of occasions but have rarely tried Chateauneuf. Both of these wines look very special and are both very well rated, so it should be an exciting contest.
Here a reminder of the rules:
https://www.reddit.com/r/wine/comments/1faffpp/would_anyone_like_to_follow_my_wine_world_cup_reds/
Details in comments
by rob1001-
7 Comments
Wine 1:
2015 Chateau Beaucastel
Region/Subregion
Rhone, Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Grapes
30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, 5% Cinsault, 15% in 8 other grapes
Alcohol
14,5%
Ratings
Parker: 96/100, Suckling: 97/100, Decanter: 95/100, Spectator: 97/100, Dunnuck: 96+/100, Galloni: 93-95/100, Wine Cellar Insider: 96/100, Vivino: 4.4/5
Value
80-90 EUR (paid 69 last year on discount)
Wine 2:
2016 Mas Doix
Region/Subregion
Priorat
Grapes
55% Carinena, 45% Grenache
Alcohol
15%
Ratings
Parker: 95/100, Decanter: 97/100, Jancis Robinson: 18/20, Vivino: 4.3/5
Value
90 EUR paid Jan24
About the vineyard:
Chateau Beaucastel – Located in the NE of the region, one of the few Chateauneufs to use all 13 allowed grapes, all vinified separately. The strong Mistral wind keeps the air dry. 50 year old vines. Terroir influenced by the sandstone soils and “galets” (rounded stones) on the surface which retain heat. Farmed biodynamically. 12 months in oak, another 12 in the bottle.
Mas Doix – Grown on the Illicorella hills, where the slate influences the terroir and cooler temperatures and high temperature differences between night and day enhance and slow down the ripening process compared to other areas of Priorat. Vines 70-100 years old. 14 month aging in new and 2y old French oak.
Tasting:
First we tasted the Chateauneuf, although we didn’t know which was which at the time of tasting them. The nose was interesting and earthy but didn’t give any signs of the fabulous wine to come; on the palette it was sensational. Berries popping, extremely ripe but not jammy, perfectly balanced, smooth tannins, great finish. Best wine I have tasted in many years.
Secondly the Priorat. An unbelievable nose- blueberries and plum. The taste was slightly less intense. Well rounded, smooth tannins, but a tick too much power from the alcohol which wasn’t balanced by acid.
Verdict:
4/4 of us preferred the first wine when tasting blind. The Priorat was amazing but the Chateaneuf was really ouf this world, I loved the style and balance. I Hence it’s the Chateauneuf-du-Pape which moves through into the next round. I would recommend both wines to anyone.
I like this sort of thing and like the result as I would have assumed the Priorat would win in a walk
Awesome content, keep it coming. Love CdP, and love Beaucastel especially, can’t go wrong.
I bought a six pack of the 2015 Beaucastel and drank one with a friend recently. My buddy thought it was way to young to be opening (I didn’t disagree) but we were both pleasantly surprised at how well it was drinking. Decide to check in on the 2016 I also have but found it to be much more closed.
Don’t have any in the cellar now but I’m also a big fan of the Mas Doix.
Great comparison.
That’s a really good prio vintage too, did you find that it was in its drinking window or still needed more time?
Thanks – a fun and interesting post. I’m getting into CdP (or CndP as I for some reason insist on calling it) and Beaucastel is on the list.
A friend put me off it a few years ago by saying he didn’t think it was worth it. Clearly I need to try some to challenge his opinion.
My local government monopoly (LCBO) sells Beaucastel at $98 CAD tax in, so around 65 euros. And this is not a sale price, this is the every day price.
It is the greatest steal in wine if you’re in Ontario, considering that it is in pretty much every LCBO, if you need a nice wine and nothing else catches your eye, grab it