The Southern Rhône: New releases

2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Château de Beaucastel Dry | Red | Still | 14.5%

This is one of the most celebrated blends of the southern Rhône, notable for its high proportion of Mourvèdre. This variety gives it cool cassis fruit, structure and length. Grenache adds sweet berry tones and a supple texture, and Syrah a dark, powerful concentration, with liquorice intensity. The 2021 is pure and charming, with bright, juicy fruit and a lithe, refreshing feel.

Ready: 2024 - 2042

2021 Coudoulet de Beaucastel, Château de Beaucastel, Côtes du Rhône Dry | Red | Still | 14%

This is a perennial favourite at Lay & Wheeler, and invariably sells out quickly,such is the quality on offer for the price. The 2020 has such a precise peppery nose, with mouth-coating fresh berry fruit on the palate. The Coudoulet vineyard lies right next to Château de Beaucastel’s main block, and is in fact a continuation of the same soil features. That it lies just beyond the limit of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape boundary, and made by one of the southern Rhône’s greatest winemaking families, means it might just be the best Côtes du Rhône money can buy.

Ready: 2023 - 2034