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
A great vintage characterised by very hot days and cool nights. The wines combine great structure and fruit giving perfect balance. The tannins give great ageing potential to this vintage. Big wine to keep in your cellar.
Location
30 hectares in Côtes du Rhône.
Terroir
Molasse sea bed 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.
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
"Perhaps the finest vintage ever made of Beaucastel’s Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet rouge, the 2007 is drinking beautifully, offering lots of black fruits, lavender, licorice, pepper, and spice. It is a full-bodied, opulent red that can be drunk now or cellared for another 10-15 years."
"Ripe but well focused, with a beam of fig and ganache running through the middle, while licorice, mulled spice and incense notes fill in the edges. A tarry hint frames the finish. Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah."
"Very dark crimson. Spicy and very lively – not as rich and dense as top Châteauneuf-du-Papes, but very spicy and attractive. Dry finish. Not sumptuous, but with integrity and herbal notes. Lots of acidity and quite a bit of toughness. Pretty heady and rich though a bit brutal on the finish but rich, clear and vibrant and exciting!"
"Ripe & ready '07, mellowed Mourvèdre Grenache… spicy red & black fruit. Rich, powerful." [+]
"A wine with a deep robe with a mature nose and a rich and balanced palate. A superb wine from a great vintage. A wine to keep."
"Cette belle trame poudrée aux notes de cassis et de fruits rouges très mûrs ne laisse pas indifférent, avec son fruité gouleyant et croquant. La mâche montre une certaine puissance, dans un registre en rétro de violette et de pivoine."
