Château de Beaucastel 2003 Chateauneuf-Du-Pape

Young and tight, with [i]garrigue[n] and roasted game aromas peeking out from a core of ripe black currant, plum and fig fruit. Lots of toast tobacco and iron as well. The finish is well-endowed with tannins, but they are ripe and pure. Best from 2008 through 2025. 15,000 cases made. (JM)