An evening with Frederic Coulon from Domaine Beaurenard

Frederic was in town and showing a few of his wines. He great guy, easy going and genuine, it was a treat to taste with him.
Located right in Chateauneuf, Domaine de Beaurenard has been in the Coulon family for decades. About to get the Ecocert label, they are making traditional CdP with sometimes a small modern twist.
Whites represent 7% of the total production and Clairette, Roussanne (peach/apricot), Bourboulenc (acidity) and Grenache Blanc (body) are used. The striking thing in their white CdP is the light straw color when compared to their colleagues. The regular white cuvee doesn't go through MLF.
The Boisrenard, the top cuvee, is from very old vines (60 to 80 years) and small yield (16 hl/ha). The oak treatment is usually 20% new oak with some 1,2 and 3 year old barrels.

• 2006 Domaine de Beaurenard (Paul Coulon et Fils) Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 88 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Fresh and floral nose, light bitterness on the nose.Soft, velvety, orchard fruit (apricot and peach) with again a light bitterness on the finish.
  Balanced, very enjoyable.

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• 2004 Domaine de Beaurenard (Paul Coulon et Fils) Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Boisrenard 89 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  More CdP like on the nose than the regular cuvee. More wood as well (without being heavy at all, more in terms of spices and hint of vanilla). Peach skin on the nose.
  A little bit of exotic fruit (pineapple) with also peach and apricot. Round and full body with med acidity, not overly complex but nicely done.

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• 2007 Domaine de Beaurenard (Paul Coulon et Fils) Côtes du Rhône 88 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

  70% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 15% Cinsault.
  Light ruby color, strawberry and blood orange on the nose. Floral and pepper notes. Supple tannins, med acidity, this is very easy and juicy. No heaviness at all.
  Nice everyday wine.

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• 2007 Domaine de Beaurenard (Paul Coulon et Fils) Rasteau 89 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Rasteau

  80% Grenache, 20% Syrah over clay/limetone/galet soils in Rasteau.
  
  Great nose, very floral with violet. Some mineral notes as well. Full body, sweet dark fruits and licorice, smooth tannins. Already balanced, it will benefit from a few years in the cellar.

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• 2004 Domaine de Beaurenard (Paul Coulon et Fils) Rasteau Les Argiles Bleues 89 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Rasteau

  80% Grenache - 20 % Syrah
  On the hill in Rasteau, middle section with bule clay soil (argile bleue). Vines don't go as deep and yields are low. Fermented in tronconique barrels.
  Already pretty evolved both color wise and flavor wise.
  Iron, game and floral nose. Garrigue all over. Firm tannins, full body, blackberry and blueberry on the palate.
  Nice.

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• 2007 Domaine de Beaurenard (Paul Coulon et Fils) Châteauneuf-du-Pape 91 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  70% Grenache - 10% Syrah - 10% Mourvedre + 10 % others
  
  Strawberry and cherry, plenty of garrigue, touch of licorice and iron. Low acidity, smooth tannins and med body. Darker profile on the palate with some blueberry. No impression of wood at all.
  It is surely ripe and low acidity but managed to be balanced and restrained.
  I'm not sure about the ageing capabilities though...but this is drinking extremely well right now.

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• 2004 Domaine de Beaurenard (Paul Coulon et Fils) Châteauneuf-du-Pape Boisrenard 91 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Some oak on the nose (light moka) with a little bit of plum, ripe strawberry and dark fruits along cocoa powder.
  Almost opaque, firm tannins, pruny finish with some licorice.
  Definitely needs time to gain complexity and integrate the oak.

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• 2007 Domaine de Beaurenard (Paul Coulon et Fils) Châteauneuf-du-Pape Boisrenard 93 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Even though it has the same oak treatment as the 2004, the oak was not as upfront.
  Otherwise, a pretty similar profile with dark fruits with a hint of chocolate, juicy and balanced, supple tannin and med- acidity.
  I'm surprised how open this is right now.
  Nevertheless, a few years will certainly improve it and again the oak will be even more integrated.

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Overall, a great tasting which confirmed my previous experience with Beaurenard. Well made, balanced, never trying to be in your face CdP with big alcohol.
The Boisrenard, in my opinion, needs time to digest the oak, which could be a little less obvious in some vinatges.
The 2007 vintage produced some wines with very smooth tannins and low acidity. They are drinking surprisingly well right now and are open for business. Hopefully they will gain complexity before losing all the acidity.