The 30ha Coudoulet vineyard is just east of the vineyard of Beaucastel on the other side of the A7 motorway, and Coudoulet is often described as ‘baby Beaucastel’. The Beaucastel and Coudoulet terroirs are virtually identical -- ancient seabeds covered by deposits of the famous ‘galets roulés’, rounded pebbles and larger stones that absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, giving the vines the best possible early spring start.
The typical blend for this superior Côtes-du-Rhône is 40% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 20% Shiraz and 10% Cinsault. Each variety is hand-harvested and kept separate in the winery. After fermentation the wines macerate in cement tanks for 12 days before careful, pneumatic pressing. Blending of the four varieties takes place after malolactic fermentation and the wine is matured in large oak foudres for six months before bottling.
This has a very plush, luscious and generously fleshy feel. Cherry compote, raspberries, blackberries and plums. Tarry elements, too. Smooth, velvety, pure and even. Succulence, elegance and clarity. Such value here.
94 points, jamessuckling.com (August 2018)
Bottled three weeks ago, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel sports a deep ruby/purple color as well as terrific freshness in its blueberry, violets, raspberry, and spring flower aromas and flavors. Showing the vintages purity and elegance, it still packs ample oomph and richness. Drink it over the coming decade.
92 points, jebdunnuck.com (August 2018)
The 2016 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet de Beaucastel was bottled just two weeks before my visit, hence the plus sign attached to its rating. Planted just outside the boundaries of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, the vines here average 80 years old. Mouthwatering aromas of red fruit and spice lead the way, backed by a full-bodied wine that's creamy and lush but also silky and vibrant. As always, it's one of the best Côtes du Rhône wines from a given vintage.
92+ points, Wine Advocate (September 2018)
Plenty of juicy Grenache strawberry fruit on the nose. It is full-bodied, expressive and athletic on the palate, really juicy with ample acidity and ripe tannins. Not hugely complex, but really concentrated and well balanced, putting many lesser Châteauneufs to shame.
92 points, Matt Walls, Decanter (October 2017)
