Ratings:
89
Jeb Dunnuck - The Rhone Report
"Even more open and evolved than the '08 Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the 2008 Chateau de Beaucastel Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet de Beaucastel possesses a pretty, nuanced bouquet of spiced cherries, garrigue, licorice, and flowers, medium body, and a smooth, light texture. Shinning more for its balance and freshness as opposed to power or depth, this delicious red should be consumed during its first decade of life." (03/11)
88-89 Josh Raynolds - Vinous Media
"Bright ruby. Fresh red berries, olive and licorice on the nose. Fresh, sharply delineated raspberry and cherry flavors are framed by dusty tannins and given grip by a tangy mineral note. The finish is a touch gritty but surprisingly persistent, the olive note repeating. Marc Perrin told me that the yield from these vines was only about 10 hl/ha in 2008." (02/10)
Product Description:
"Very sweet and gamey and jammy but not nearly as exciting as the Charvin! A bit gypsy and rich. Drink 2010 to 2013. (JR)" 16 out of 20 points, Jancis Robinson's Purple Pages (11/10)
WINE:
"Grenache 30%, Mourvèdre 30%, Syrah 20%, Cinsault 20%. Coudoulet, as Beaucastel, owes its ability to age to the high proportion of Mourvedre - about 30% - that makes up the final cuvee. This provides a tannic backbone and resistance to oxidation that ensures long life. In addition, Mourvedre introduces aromas of leather, tobacco, and spice to the blend. One should note also that the Beaucastel and Coudoulet vineyards are at the northern limit for growing Mourvedre, and it is well known that the best expressions of any varietal come from the cooler parts of their growing areas."
"The other main variety, Grenache, gives Coudoulet the rounded fullness and intense fruit that is typical of Cotes du Rhone. Syrah and Cinsault represent about 20% each and bring tannins and aromatic complexity to Coudoulet." -Winery
VINEYARDS:
"Chateau de Beaucastel is located five kilometres south-east of Orange at the northern limit of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. The 30 hectares Coudoulet de Beaucastel vineyard lies just to the east of Beaucastel on the other side of the A7 autoroute. For reasons that will become evident, it is often referred to as a baby Beaucastel. When one looks at the geology of the soil at Coudoulet, the similarities with the soil at Beaucastel are legion. It is composed of a layer of marine limestone from the Miocene period, covered by a deposit of alpine diluvium. This blanket of rounded stones (or "galets") contributes much to the wines of Beaucastel: they retain the intense heat of the Mediterranean sun during the day then slowly disperse it to the vines during the night. They provide a head start to the vines in springtime. During the long Mediterranean summer, lack of water can stress the vineyard at times."
"However, the resistance built into Beaucastel's vine stock from 30 years of continuous organic culture allows the vineyard to come through periods of drought with few problems. Because the soil is porous and aerated, the vineyards at Beaucastel have developed root systems that penetrate deep into the earth in their search for water." -Winery
This was also rated 84 points by Robert Parker.
