2005 was a brilliant vintage in the Rhone. On the whole the wines are concentrated, beautifully balanced and many are looking forward to a long life ahead of them. The question is – when can we tuck into these spicy beauties?
T’other day I cracked the following two wines to see whether they were remotely approachable…
My first thought on Coudoulet de Beaucastel, the 2nd wine of Ch de Beaucastel, was how great a bargain this wine is. It doesn’t cost a lot (£125 per case ex-VAT) and one is quickly immersed in a big, rich mouthful of red fruits, which will, in time, glide seamlessly over the palate. A mini Beaucastel – oh yes I think so! Grenache features strongly in the blend and gives this wine a vibrancy and crunchiness that I adore.
Although you could pull the cork if the urge becomes just too much, make sure you have your trusty decanter at the ready and decant for a good 45 minutes. If it were me I would hold off for a year and reap the rewards in time.
My ‘House’ Wine…..! André Perret is a legend in the region, a winemaker that manages to let the terroir speak for itself, and speak I assure you it does! His St Joseph 2005 is dark, intense and reeks of autumnal fruits. The wine is made in a rustic style and has a firm streak of minerality soaring through it, beautifully pure. This is my sort of wine!
It is without question superb value for money at £85 per 12 In Bond. It is currently stored in the depths of Monsieur Perret’s cellars, but is due for collection in a month or two. I have even bought 4 cases which will go straight into my cellar- the JL house wine in 2010+ and I can’t wait! You should be aware that it closed down about an hour after opening so I plan to give it a couple of years to see it really fly.
If you haven’t at least 2 cases in the cellar I ask why not?