Coudoulet de Beaucastel Rouge, Perrin - Château de Beaucastel 2021

A terrific vintage for this wine, which was bottled just a couple of weeks prior to my late June visit, the 2021 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet de Beaucastel is a blend of 30% each Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah, plus 10% Cinsault. From a vineyard just outside the boundaries of the appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it's a remarkably consistent wine and always a solid value. Scents of sunbaked stones, black cherries and licorice appear on the nose, joined by hints of purple raspberries and dark chocolate, while the medium to full-bodied palate is lush and velvety, finishing long and complex. 2023 - 2035

Very appealing nose, juicy, packed full of berry fruit, leather and spice. Rich layered palate with taut tannins, good freshness and a balanced finish. Needs a bit of time – medium-bodied but attractive dark-fruit cassis-led style. (AC) 2025–2031