2023 Chateau de Beaucastel Coudoulet Cotes-du-Rhone Blanc, Rhone Valley

A balanced, lively and precise white with aromas of fresh lemons, linden and exotic spices such as turmeric. It’s medium-bodied, with a bright core of aromatic herbs and spices bringing vitality on the palate. Vivid and focused, with a well-driven, persistent finish. Drink or hold. 

92 points Kevin Davy, James Suckling  Jan 2025

Just across the boundary from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Perrin family's Coudoulet de Beaucastel vineyard produces wines with much of the character of its famous neighbour. The estate has been farmed organically for decades, and while Coudoulet's reds are widely admired, the white is a particularly rewarding find. Produced in relatively small quantities, it captures the richness, fragrance and savoury elegance of the Southern Rhône's traditional white varieties.

The 2023 is a blend of Marsanne, Viognier, Bourboulenc and Clairette, with each variety contributing something different. Marsanne provides body, Viognier adds fragrance, while Bourboulenc and Clairette bring freshness and lift. The warm vintage has produced an appealingly rounded wine, balanced by lively acidity and a subtle mineral character.

Pale gold with a soft green glint. Ripe pear, white peach and apricot mingle with honeysuckle, lemon zest and a hint of fennel. The palate is silky and beautifully textured, with juicy stone fruit, gentle almond notes and refreshing citrus acidity. A delicate savoury character leads into a long, clean finish.

Try it with Spanish seafood paella, grilled squid with preserved lemon and parsley, or roasted carrots with whipped feta and cumin. It would also be delicious with a fragrant chicken and apricot tagine.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2031. Enjoy its youthful fragrance or allow a few years for additional honeyed and nutty complexity.