2010 Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône

SKU #1114699 90-92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

(roughly one-third each mourvedre and grenache, with the balance from the other permitted varieties): Vivid ruby. High-pitched aromas of red fruits, rose, lavender and Asian spices. Juicy and focused on entry, then deeper and broader across the mid-palate, displaying intense black raspberry and cherry compote flavors. Shows impressive energy on the spicy finish, which features a sexy floral quality. (5/ 2012)

90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The real steal, however, is the 2010 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet red (an identical blend), which has really put on some weight and intensity since I tasted it last year. The wine displays oodles of licorice, black currant and black cherry liqueur with hints of damp forest floor and truffle. Sweet tannin, decent acidity and nice, attractive density make for an outstanding Cotes du Rhone to drink over the next 7-8 years. (10/ 2012)

90 points Wine Spectator

This is juicy and still a bit compact, with a mix of blackberry, plum and blueberry notes laced with licorice snap and backed by a long, spice-infused finish. A tarry hint lurks as well. Should stretch out after brief cellaring. Drink now through 2018. (10/ 2012)

K&L Notes

14% abv.