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Marc Perrin likes to characterize Coudoulet as a happy battle between the “fireworks” of the Grenache and the more restrained and “lean” Syrah. Lean in a positive sense, of course. To this, however, must be added 30 percent of Mourvèdre (the same percentage as the Grenache) and 20 percent of Cinsault (the same amount as the Syrah). Mourvèdre adds spice and depth, while Cinsault delivers a gentle feminine charm. Indeed, almost paradoxically, given the generosity of the vintage, the wine is less fleshy and opulent at this early stage. To me it recalls 2010 in its authority and linear personality, both more than favorable precursors. The Perrins are far from equivocal in outlining their aspirations in the Southern Rhône; they wish to match the undisputed primacy of their Beaucastel estate with hegemony of classic vineyards to demonstrate the best characteristics of the best villages: Voltaire without Pangloss. Nurturing and guiding as appropriate, they have rapidly built up an enviable portfolio which has gone virtually all the way to the realisation of this ambition. Their attention has been focused especially on the villages of Vinsobres and Gigondas, both of which share altitude and aspect to suit the subtly changing climate in the region. In 1903, a young chemical engineer and mathematics professor named Pierre Perrin, together with his father-in-law, began to restore the domaine following the ravages of phylloxera. His son, Jacques Perrin, took over the domaine in 1953 and introduced many innovations such as improved grape varietals, integrated pest control, and a flash-heat exchanger. Today, the third and fourth generations of Perrins, François and Jean-Pierre and Jean-Pierre's sons Pierre, Marc and Thomas, continue in the tradition of their father and grandfather. The vineyards of Beaucastel are treated as a garden: no chemical fertilizer, no chemical weed killers or sprays are permitted. Organic fertilizer comes from compost and only a minimum of traditional sulphur-copper spray is used in the vineyards. The vineyards are planted in all the traditional grapes of Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault, Vaccarese, Counoise, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Picardin, Bourboulenc, Roussanne. The Perrins pull this wine from the galet-covered vineyards that lay just the other side of the A7 from their vines at Beaucastel. Perhaps that’s why it’s hard to tell this apart from a Châteauneuf. The texture is sleek and juicy, the tannins long and smooth under the earthy cherry flavors while smoky notes of oak lend the wine a sense of opulence. It’s firm and dense with flavor, ready now but also structured to age well for ten years in the cellar. A blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah and Cinsault, the 2015 Coudoulet De Beaucastel Rouge is a ripe, rounded, supple, sexy wine that offers tons of blackberry fruit, peppery herbs, violet, and tapenade aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, silky, polished and elegant, with sweet tannin and awesome purity, it's one of the strongest vintages I can remember from this estate.
Food matches for Southern Rhone Red Blended Wines include: -Beef and Bean Stew with Sage
Critical Acclaim: Wine Advocate 92 Points!!! Perennially one of the best Côtes du Rhône on the market, the Perrins have hit the mark again with their 2015 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet de Beaucastel. So complex, lush and rich, it can compete with many producers' Châteauneufs, this vintage reveals dark fruit, hints of cola, cinnamon and allspice and a long, slightly warm finish. Drink 2017-2025
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