(COUDOULET Beaucastel) Beaucastel Dear Friends, I've been trying to source this wine for quite a while and it's become something of a thorn in my side - we always have a lot of requests for it but the 2006 (for some unknown reason) has been very difficult to get in the US. I finally found a perfect parcel last week so here you go (it's already arrived). Fresh off the WS Top Ten showing, interest in 2006 Beaucastel has been rekindled just in time for the holidays (the 2006 Coudoulet as well). The vintage was very kind to Beaucastel and this wine is one of the stronger Coudoulet bottlings yet produced. From across the highway dividing line from the regular property, the Coudoulet is akin to the Rayas Fonsalette cuvee - a distinct property vinified on its own with its own expression (although the Coudoulet basically borders the estate parcel and is a victim of government line drawing - i.e, everything below the highway is Chëteauneuf, everything above the highway is Cotes du Rhone). In 2006, this "Cotes du Rhone" competes very closely with top-tier regular CdP bottlings and the winery now coddles it on par with the Grand Vin (see this link: http://www.beaucastel.com/vins_int.php?langue=en&vin=5). Considering how successful the Grand Vin was in 2006, this is a fairly safe investment. Impressive for the genre and for the promotion of organic viticultural practices: This wine has arrived - it will be available for local pick up in 2-3 weeks. 2006 Chateau de Beaucastel "Coudoulet de Beaucastel" Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Rhone8850
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By Jeb Dunnuck
(Château de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel) Login and sign up and see review text.Current releases from the South of France, Issue #1, 8/1/2009, (See more on JebDunnuck.com...)