WTN: 1983 Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape

If you got 'em, drink 'em. This has definitely peaked and going down the other side. Two words sum up the wine -- meaty and horsey. It was a very nice match with the rabbit à la Dijonaise that Carole served to guests last night (in honor of a Burgundian chef who is staying with us a few days).

there must be various bottlings of this. mine is definitly ready and has good acid still; but no horsey or barnyard - unusual for bretcastel.

That is indeed unusual.

there must be various bottlings of this. mine is definitly ready and has good acid still; but no horsey or barnyard - unusual for bretcastel.

Which were some of the '80s Beaucastel bret bombs? I remember ordering a bottle once in a restaurant, without really knowing what I was asking for, and got the best horsey barn wine I have ever had. It set the mould (no pun) for all times, my Holy Grail. Bought an '89 recently and was disappointed. Was it the '88? I thought I remembered that it was either an '88 or an '83.