2014 Chateau de Beaucastel, Coudoulet de Beaucastel, Rhone

Each year around this time, Wine Spectator releases its coveted Top 100 list. This year's #8 was the 2010 Chateau de Beaucastel. We've been sold out for quite some time, but if you can find any, it would sell for approximately $100 per bottle.
    Have no fear, there is a better value for the educated consumer this year. For 1/3 the price and a little due diligence, this famous Chateauneuf du Pape producer has a little brother, the Coudoulet de Beaucastel. It is the winery's 2nd label.
    Besides the same vintage, what makes Coudoulet such a hidden gem is that both wines are Beaucastel estate grown fruit with their respective vineyards separated only by a single road! The Chateauneuf vineyards of the Big Brother are on one side of the road and the Cotes du Rhone vineyards of the Little Brother are on the other! Not surprisingly then, the estate itself 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.
    "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." Stephen Tanzer
    While supplies last, orders will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Enjoy!