If you love Chateauneuf du Pape, you've likely heard the name Chateau de Beaucastel, one of the biggest names in Chateauneuf du Pape.

The last time we were able to feature their 2nd wine, Coudoulet de Beaucastel, was in 2013.  

Why has it been so hard?  It's not really a second label.  

Somms and collectors alike know the value of the wine - both wines are Beaucastel estate-grown fruit with their respective vineyards separated by a single narrow road!  

Deep, savory nose with notes of ripe black cherries and plum cake, plus minty and floral notes. In spite of the considerable power and generous tannin, this is very focused and elegant. The long, energetic finish suggests this has years of life ahead of it. Drink or hold."  James Suckling

Chateau de Beaucastel is a fantastic wine.  At $100 per bottle, is it not an everyday red for most.  However, their Coudoulet can be.  Since the Coudoulet vineyards are technically in Cotes-du-Rhone, a few feet away, the winery cannot use the more prestigious village name of Chateauneuf du Pape. 

Not surprisingly, the estate refers to Coudoulet as their "Baby Beaucastel."

Both wines are a blend of Grenache and predominately Mourvedre. The fruit of both wines are grown on limestone-based soil, and both enjoy the intense heat of the Mediterranean sun during the day that slowly disperses to the vines during the night. This microclimate produces rich, succulent fruit.

If you love Chateauneufs (or great reds in general), this wine is for you!

Enjoy!