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 which gives a good start to the vines in the Spring.
The vintage
In 2010, all the right conditions were united to produce an exceptional vintage.
Heavy rainfall during spring, followed by a very hot summer and an Indian summer in September, allowed for great harvest conditions.
This vintage produced very balanced wines with intense notes of fruit and great finesse.
Heavy rainfall during spring, followed by a very hot summer and an Indian summer in September, allowed for great harvest conditions.
This vintage produced very balanced wines with intense notes of fruit and great finesse.
Location
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 occurs in cement tanks for 12 days. Pressing in pneumatic presses. Blending of the different varietals after malolactic fermentation. Ageing in Oak Foudres for 6 months.
Varietals
Grenache : 30%
Mourvèdre : 30%
Cinsault : 20%
Syrah : 20%
Mourvèdre : 30%
Cinsault : 20%
Syrah : 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
"This is juicy and still a bit compact, with a mix of blackberry, plum and blueberry notes laced with licorice snap and backed by a long, spice-infused finish. A tarry hint lurks as well. Should stretch out after brief cellaring."
"The real steal, however, is the 2010 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet red (an identical blend), which has really put on some weight and intensity since I tasted it last year. The wine displays oodles of licorice, black currant and black cherry liqueur with hints of damp forest floor and truffle. Sweet tannin, decent acidity and nice, attractive density make for an outstanding Cotes du Rhone."
"Meaty and even a hint of fishiness on the nose. Very lively. Sinewy, even a little lacking flesh! But certainly refreshing, and not heavy. "
"Vivid ruby. High-pitched aromas of red fruits, rose, lavender and Asian spices. Juicy and focused on entry, then deeper and broader across the mid-palate, displaying intense black raspberry and cherry compote flavors. Shows impressive energy on the spicy finish, which features a sexy floral quality."
