The 2005 Beaucastel Coudoulet Cotes du Rhone is another outstanding example of this Cotes du Rhone made essentially across the border from Chateauneuf du Pape. Notes of tapenade, licorice, smoked herbs, and meat juices interwoven with black cherry and darker fruits are followed by an expansive, broadly flavored, full-bodied wine with no hard edges, gorgeous fruit purity, and a long, spicy, heady finish. This is almost the bottled essence of Provence. Drink it over the next decade or more. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802

The 2005 Beaucastel Coudoulet Cotes du Rhone is another outstanding example of this Cotes du Rhone made essentially across the border from Chateauneuf du Pape. Notes of tapenade, licorice, smoked herbs, and meat juices interwoven with black cherry and darker fruits are followed by an expansive, broadly flavored, full-bodied wine with no hard edges, gorgeous fruit purity, and a long, spicy, heady finish. This is almost the bottled essence of Provence. Drink it over the next decade or more.Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802

The price of this cuvee has risen considerably over the years, but at least the quality has remained high. The 2005 offers bold black cherry, plum and licorice elements on the nose, plenty of weight and richness on the palate and an intense, spice-driven finish. It may be consumed now, but should also evolve pleasantly over the next 10–15 years.——J.C.(12/31/2008)—— 88