Coudoulet de Beaucastel Rouge, Perrin - Château de Beaucastel 2017

Based on 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah, and 20% Cinsault, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet always comes from the same vineyard located just to the north of Chateau Beaucastel, across the A7 interstate. Garrigue, ripe cherries, some dried earth and stony notes all give way to a medium-bodied, elegant, classically built Côtes du Rhône that has enough structure to keep for a decade.

Tasted as a representative sample that was blended from several foudres, the 2017 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet de Beaucastel looks to be another sensational example of this wine. Sourced just outside the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, it's full-bodied yet silky and long, with standout aromas of lavender and crushed stone backed by layers of cherry and berry fruit. Let's hope the prices don't escalate too much given the vintage's low yields.

Fragrant, spicy, fairly light compared with Famille Perrin's Gigondas and Vinsobres cuvées. Still a closed book, but the clarity of fruit is very promising.