Presentation
Presentation
The 30 hectares of Coudoulet are located just east of the vineyard of Beaucastel on the other side of the A7 motorway. For reasons that have now become obvious, Coudoulet is often considered the baby Beaucastel. The Coudoulet soil has many similarities to that of Beaucastel. It is made out of Molasse seabed covered by diluvial alpine deposits. These pebbles called “Galets Roulés” play a big role: They take in the heat during the day and let it if off slowly at night, giving a good start to the vines in the Spring.
The vintage
An exceptional vintage spared by the drought. Traditional agriculture allowed a late harvest with very healthy grapes.
Location
30 hectares in Côtes du Rhône.
Terroir
Molasse seabed of the Miocene period covered by diluvial alpine deposits (rolled pebbles), identical to the vineyard of Châteauneuf du Pape.
Ageing
Each variety is harvested manually and separately, then sorted in the cellar. The harvest is heated to 80°C (skins) and then cooled down to 20°C. Classic maceration in cement tanks during 12 days. Pressing in pneumatic presses. Blending of the different varietals after malolactic fermentation. Ageing in Oak Foudres during 6 months. Bottled after egg white fining.
Varietals
Grenache : 30%
Mourvèdre : 30%
Syrah : 20%
Cinsault : 20%
Mourvèdre : 30%
Syrah : 20%
Cinsault : 20%
Advice
Serving
16°C in tasting glasses.
Tasting
Appearance: bright and lively, with great depth.
Nose: red fruits.
Palate: luscious, with hints of thyme.
Nose: red fruits.
Palate: luscious, with hints of thyme.
Reviews
"The 2005 Beaucastel Coudoulet Cotes du Rhone is another outstanding example of this Cotes du Rhone made essentially across the border from Chateauneuf du Pape. Notes of tapenade, licorice, smoked herbs, and meat juices interwoven with black cherry and darker fruits are followed by an expansive, broadly flavored, full-bodied wine with no hard edges, gorgeous fruit purity, and a long, spicy, heady finish. This is almost the bottled essence of Provence."
"Gamey and concentrated. I’m hesitating between accusing this of slight TCA and the old horsey Beaucastel character. Very chewy. Pretty tough end. Anthony Lacey, the importer, assured me he had tasted every bottle so this is obviously the endemic character."
"The estate reds include the 2005 Coudoulet, which is a high-class Cotes du Rhone offering up notes of black cherries, blackberry, ground pepper, and hints of licorice and seaweed. It is medium to full-bodied, has good acidity for a 2005, and moderate tannin."
"This still has some brawny grip, with dark currant, chestnut and briar notes laced with a streak of hot stone. There's a tarry edge on the finish. Tight still. Needs a little more time."
"A very agreeable expression of colour. This vintage has a structured nose. On the palate it is powerful and balanced with significant freshness; a very attractive style of Chateauneuf-du-Pape with the characteristics of Grenache. Ready to be opened now, preferably in the cold weather to pair with a winter dish or to cellar."
