SOLD OUT! The 2016 Chateau Beaucastel Coudoulet de Beaucastel drinks like a Chateauneuf du Pape, but costs way less.
From one of the Southern Rhone’s most legendary producers, the grapes come from just outside the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. And in case you didn’t hear, the 2016 vintage was one of the finest vintages of the 21st century. You do the math — top producer plus top vintage equals incredible wine.
2016 Chateau Beaucastel Coudoulet de Beaucastel
94 points James Suckling, 92+ points Wine Advocate, 92 points Jeb Dunnuck
SOLD OUT
Pretty much anyone who knows anything about wine knows that Beaucastel is one of the greatest producers on the planet. Uber-traditional and noted for producing savory, powerful and long lived wines, this is a great opportunity to taste greatness at a more than reasonable price. The Coudoulet vineyards are located just east of the Beaucastel vineyards, and the soil has many similarities to that of Beaucastel. Noted for the classic “Galet Roulés,”the pebbles that take in heat during the day and let it off slowly at night, this terroir is identical to the top sites in Chateauneuf du Pape.
For Vintage 2016, the blend is 40% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah, and 10% Cinsault. Fermented in cement and then aged for 6 months large oak foudres, the nose is powerful with intense notes of juniper, black olives and pepper. In the mouth, it is an explosion of red fruit, with floral and spicy notes, but with a very nice balance combining great freshness, a beautiful complexity, a soft texture and a nice acidity. I’ll just say this is a wine that has a lot of character.
And all of the leading wine critics in the world agree. Master of Wine and famed English wine writer Jancis Robinson called it “tremendous,” while Jeb Dunnuck said it showed the “vintage’s purity and elegance.” And James Suckling summed it up best. “This has a very plush, luscious and generously fleshy feel. Cherry compote, raspberries, blackberries and plums. Tarry elements, too. Smooth, velvety, pure and even. Succulence, elegance and clarity. Such value here. Drink or hold.”
Having lamb for this year’s Christmas dinner? Get some of this and thank me later. Or snag a 6-pack and drink some now and lay a few bottles down for up to 10 years. If you love world-class Southern Rhones, you’re gonna’ love this one.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville