Renowned for its large collection of old vintages (some of which were deliberately walled up to keep them out of the hands of the nazis during the war!), the estate was ordered to make some choices before my arrival! And what choices they were! Symbolic years, covering three generations, with the added bonus of the presence of Daniel and Frédéric Coulon, respectively father and uncle of Victor Coulon, who represented the last generation while his brother Antonin was in the vineyard between storms...
Domaine de Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016
Small red fruits, elegant oak and then thyme without the spiciness of alcohol, the nose is remarkably precise. On the palate, very balanced, with floral accents, it stretches harmoniously over fine, spicy tannins that recall the sunny character of the 2016. An unequivocally fine wine. 94/100
Domaine de Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape Gran Partita 2012
2012 is the first vintage of this cuvée, born from the co-fermentation of the 13 grape varieties of the AOC, themselves grown together in two parcels, one of which is the estate's conservatory. First vintage, first success. The unctuousness of the oak, with its gourmand notes of caramel, combined with that of the white grape varieties (15 to 20%) gives a sensation of coating on the palate that makes tasting very pleasant. The aromatics are not to be outdone, between flowers and fresh vegetation, bringing a feeling of lightness and freshness that balances the whole. 94/100
Domaine de Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2001
"A fine vintage at Beaurenard", Daniel Coulon modestly reminds us as we serve. In fact, it's not beautiful, it's great! 20 years and a superb burst of fruit, with menthol accents: thyme, strawberry, white pepper and old rose introduce a dashing, pulpy, still tannic palate with fine lines that gains the volume on the finish that we love so much about Châteauneuf. Leg of lamb with thyme, garlic and fleur de sel. 98/100
Domaine de Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape cuvée Boisrenard 1990
A great wine is a great bottle, at the right time, with the right people. These conditions, so rare as to be unimaginable, came together in this legendary 1990. Crystal-clear in fragrance, delicate in flavor, silky in texture, yet uncompromising in structure (Daniel and Frédéric Coulon make no secret of their penchant for wines with grip...) everything is remarkably in place when tasted, with that refined, almost "Chambolle-like" style that can't be described any other way. Boisrenard's first official vintage, 1990 is sure to live long in the memory. Quail, quite simply. 100/100
Domaine de Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape 1985
A lovely bouquet of Havana, blood orange and candied fruit, delicate on the palate with a peppery, fleshy return on the finish, this 85 is ready (after almost 40 years) to accompany a rabbit with thyme. A fine wine. 95/100
Domaine de Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape 1967
Grandfather's wine, we're surprised by the very pale, slightly cloudy color, like the nose, initially dominated by a hint of toast, quickly followed by strawberry and rose petals. Expecting a smooth, flowing texture, the palate is full-bodied, luscious and very persistent, driven by volatile acidity. While tertiary notes gradually take over, the wine manages to retain a sparkle and delicacy that invites boldness. Vitello tonato. 97/100
The other vertical tastings HERE