Perrin, Coudoulet de Beaucastel Rouge 2021, 75cl

Coudoulet de Beaucastel is often described as the “baby Beaucastel”, produced by the Perrin family from 30 hectares of vineyards immediately east of Château de Beaucastel, just outside the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation. The vineyards share essentially the same distinctive galets roulés and underlying soils as Beaucastel, giving the wine much of the character and complexity of its famous neighbour.

Made from the classic southern Rhône varieties Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault, the grapes are hand harvested and vinified separately before ageing for six months in large oak foudres. The style combines ripe red and dark fruit with herbs, liquorice and spice, with supple tannins, freshness and impressive depth. A consistently excellent Côtes du Rhône that offers a very accessible introduction to the style of Château de Beaucastel.

"A terrific vintage for this wine, which was bottled just a couple of weeks prior to my late June visit, the 2021 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet de Beaucastel is a blend of 30% each Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah, plus 10% Cinsault. From a vineyard just outside the boundaries of the appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it's a remarkably consistent wine and always a solid value. Scents of sunbaked stones, black cherries and licorice appear on the nose, joined by hints of purple raspberries and dark chocolate, while the medium to full-bodied palate is lush and velvety, finishing long and complex. Drink 2023-2035."  Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate