2018 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Hommage à Jacques Perrin, Château de Beaucastel, Rhône

In previous vintages, ‘Hommage’ has been so tannic and structured one could almost smell the tannins let alone taste them on the front of the palate. The 2018 is rather different, darkly fruited and polished certainly, but there is a certain panache here, sophisticated and nuanced winemaking that draws out all the many notes of late season hedgerow fruits. The tannins are airy and refined however there is unmistakable power behind them – alike a really top Pommard or Volnay 1er Cru. The finish is sublime – meaty, dark tea, just a touch of smoke and incense too. This is a wine of precision right to the end. I can see this drinking quite early, simply, why wouldn’t you? However, there is power and that will be seen fully with only time. 2025 to 2040+.
Gary Owen, Private Account Manager