Coudoulet de Beaucastel Rouge, Perrin - Château de Beaucastel 2010

As usual, the 2010 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet red is a blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and the rest Syrah, Counoise and other permitted varietals. It possesses crisp, tart acids, a fresh, lively, Burgundian-like personality, and plenty of red and black currants intermixed with sweet and sour cherries, earth, smoke, garrigue and unsmoked tobacco. The red is capable of lasting 20 years.

Very deep crimson still – even at 11 years old! Right out to the rim. Rich and sweet on the nose. High toned and dense. Liquorice. Lots of sweet fruit but structure too. Juicy and not too alcoholic. Very slightly hot on the end but SO superior to the average Côtes du Rhone! What’s not to like?! Great to be reminded of how good Coudoulet is. (JR)