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

Bottled at the beginning of July, the 2021 Côtes Du Rhône Coudoulet De Beaucastel shows the fresher, focused style of the vintage yet brings beautiful fruit. Red, blue, and black fruits, peppery herbs, and underbrush notes define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, with ripe, polished tannins and a great finish.

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

Wonderful freshness with stacks of garden herb and candied citrus aromas. Serious tannin and acidity structure for a white from this humble appellation. Excellent combination of creaminess and crispness on the medium-bodied palate. Salty finish. Drink or hold. From organically grown grapes.