• st92-94

International Wine CellarFull ruby. Vibrant aromas of black cherry, red apple and licorice, with hints of cassis and redcurrant. Spicy, fresh and very concentrated, with strong fruit apparent today. Licorice and menthol notes contribute to the impression of verve. The syrah was exceptional in 2000, notes Perrin, and for the first time the skins were punched down during fermentation. Very bright and firmly tannic on the long back end.

• wa94

Wine AdvocateThe opaque ruby/purple-colored 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape offers a profoundly sweet perfume of melted licorice, blackberries, and black cherries backed up by loads of glycerin, full body, and moderately high but sweet, well-integrated tannin. There is a seamlessness to the 2000 that will make it accessible early in life, and thus atypical for Beaucastel. The 1985 behaved in this manner when young, but the 2000 possesses even more stuffing. Like its 2001 sibling, it is a classic blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and the balance other permitted varietals. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025.

• ws90

Wine SpectatorClean and fresh, bursting with fruit and spices. Full-bodied, it delivers some game, truffle, vanilla notes. It's distinctive and ought to reveal wonderful terroir with age, but for now it hasn't come together. Needs time. Drink now through 2020.