2007 Château de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel- France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (5/15/2012)
Lesser 2007s are starting to round into form. This wine is heavy in the mouth but carries its weight well. Persistent, spicy finish. Drink now or hold for 5-10 years. Classic Chateuneuf character and a great value. (90 pts.)
Thanks for the note David. I actually think the Mourvedre (30%) adds some nice meat and earth notes that help to give this wine more palate presence than some of the other 2007 CdPs which seem a bit candied at this stage.
This is my fourth from a case and I should have been more patient as this is the first one that has provided any real pleasure. For me, these are entering their window now. They are still on the primary side but the elements have come together.
IMHO, this comment is right on the money. Many of the 100% grenache (or grenache dominant) cuvees spiked serious heat in this vintage. Popped the '07 Janasse CDR Terre Argile last night. A lot of heft for the price, but showing every bit of its 15.5% alcohol. Still pulls it off better than some of the CDPs I’ve had, but not for the faint of heart or a wimpy meal.
Thanks for the note on the Coudoulet. I’m sitting on the rest of mine and its bigger brother for a bit more.
We aren’t going to start bashing 07 CDPs again, are we? Ah, whatever.
The 07 Coudoulet was actually the most candied 07 Rhone I tasted. No 07 CDP that I’ve had (about 20 different ones) came close. That said, the candied character of this Coudoulet has faded and it is a much nicer drink now.
FWIW, I opened a 1994 Coudoulet back in November and thought it was gorgeous. I realize the '94 vintage isn’t similiar to '07, but it got me thinking that there’s no rush whatsoever consuming these bottles.
Hi Daniel.
I don’t think I bashed 2007 CdP, but simply stated that “some” of the 2007s seem candied “at this stage.” I did not find this character in the Coudoulet after tasting it recently. In fact, I sincerely hope that my impression is naive and that all of these wines will emerge in 10 years to showcase power with balance.