2019 BEAUCASTEL AND FAMILLE PERRIN
We have just returned from visiting the Rhone, to taste the 2019 vintage and are extremely excited by the quality here. In general, the southern Rhone wines possess a greater depth and intensity than the 2018s, with generous and pure, ripe fruit profile, a good structure and fine balance. The top cuvees will undoubtedly offer great longevity.
As usual, the renowned Perrin family is one of the first to release their En Primeur allocations. The illustrious, Chateau de Beaucastel has never lost its standing in the appellation and the highly regarded, Coudulet de Beaucastel, has always been considered a truly exceptional Cotes du Rhone. Coming from the lieu-dit, situated just on the opposite side of the A7 to Beaucastel�s Chateauneuf du Pape vineyards and with Mourvedre also representing an important part of the blend, the Coudulet is often referred to, as a 'petit' Beaucastel.
Having been one of the leading lights of Chateauneuf du Pape for generations, the Perrins are now firmly ensconced in Gigondas. Not only do they own one of our favourite restaurants of the southern Rhone, the inviting and beautifully placed, L'Oustelet, (the wine list isn't too bad either!) but they are also producing two of the most inspirational wines of Gigondas, displaying all the class and flair that has always been synonymous with Beaucastel! The Clos des Tourelles was acquired by the Perrin family in 2008 and is the last remaining walled Clos of the appellation. Produced from 90-year-old vines, grown on the limestone and sandy, marl soils, this is a sensational Gigondas! Equally phenomenal and also comprising a sandy terroir, the superb parcellaire, L'Argnee Vieilles Vignes is produced from un-grafted, pre-phylloxera vines and combines incredible intensity and power, with the same, exquisite finesse. Gigondas rarely reaches these heights!
Indeed, everything about Chateau de Beaucastel and these prestigious Perrin wines, oozes quality. In fact, Beaucastel was the first estate I visited in Chateauneuf du Pape, many moons ago and the spectacular splendour of the pristine cellars has left a lasting impression. Three decades and many visits later, I have found few to compare.
We are pleased to offer the following wines En Primeur, which will be shipped in the Autumn of 2021. All orders must be received by the end of November, but allocations are limited, so these wines are offered subject to availability. The prices quoted are in bond, excluding Duty and Vat. For customers requiring the wines duty paid, delivered, we will send an appropriate invoice for shipping, duty and vat, when the wines arrive in the UK.
The tasting notes given below are the words of the Perrin family.
2019 Chateau de Beaucastel, Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge @ £285.00 per case x six ib This wine shows a persistent and fairly deep colour. The nose is pure and very elegant on wild black fruit, spices, floral notes with great freshness. On the palate, the wines reveal rich aromas of blueberries and black currant jam with silky and delicate tannins. The finish is powerful and harmonious, with a very good length. An impressive wine full of complexity. A great vintage of Beaucastel
2019 Coudulet de Beaucastel, Cotes du Rhone Rouge @ £150.00 per dozen ib The Coudoulet de Beaucastel Cotes du Rhone 2019 is a wine with a beautiful persistent colour. The nose shows flavors of black fruit, Provencial herbs, leather and 'garrigue'. The palate is full-bodied and balanced, almost mineral, with very nice tannins and an impressive length! There is a beautiful filiation with the great wine of Beaucastel.
2019 Domaine du Clos des Tourelles, Gigondas @ £210.00 per case x six ib The 2019 vintage has a deep ruby colour. The nose is on jammy red fruit, violets, liquorice, and mineral touches. Deep and complex on the palate with characteristic aromas of violet and liquorice, great power and well balanced, the 2019 vintage is of great finesse.
2019 L'Argnee, Gigondas Vieilles Vignes @ £210.00 per case x six ib A small plot of less than 1 hectare of pre-Phylloxera vines (around 100 years old). The yields are very small and the production is limited to 1500 bottles a year. The wines have a black-purple color and offer aromas of blackberry, plum and cassis with delicate hints of liquorice. The palate is full-bodied, with very good concentration, with a magnificent tannic structure; the balance between richness and acidity brings great freshness. Grenache at its best!