Coudoulet de Beaucastel Rouge, Perrin - Château de Beaucastel 2007

The blockbuster 2007 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet, always one of the best bargains from the south, may be the finest Coudoulet ever produced. A blend of 30% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, and the rest Syrah, Cinsault, and a few other authorized varietals, is incredibly opulent and rich, with sensational notes of black currants, licorice, smoked herbs, and meat juices, a full-bodied mouthfeel, savory tannins, and good acidity as well as length. This outstanding wine can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 years.

Dense ruby. Sexy aromas of black raspberry, creme de cassis, underbrush and licorice. Supple and quite suave, with palate-coating dark berry flavors. Spicy and sweet on the finish, with the berry and licorice notes repeating. This fruit bomb will be delicious young.

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! Drink 2010-2017. Date tasted 10th Dec 08.

The 2007 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet red may be Beaucastel's finest example of this wine since they first introduced it in 1978. A blend of 30% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, and the rest Syrah, Cinsault, and a few other authorized varietals, this sumptuous, deep ruby/purple-tinged Coudoulet exhibits notes of smoky blackberries, roasted meats, incense, licorice, and underbrush. Opulent, sexy, and full-bodied, with abundant tannin, structure, freshness, and precision, this glorious wine should be purchased by the case when released in early 2009