Château de Beaucastel’s Coudoulet de Beaucastel 2022 is a Côtes-du-Rhône red that continues to justify its reputation as a close cousin to the estate’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The fruit comes from a roughly 30-hectare vineyard just east of Beaucastel, across the A7 motorway, on the same galets roulés (rounded stones) over marine molasse that help drive ripeness and maintain warmth through the night. The Perrin family farms organically, and the wine is made in a notably traditional, hands-on style: hand-harvested grapes, separate vinifications, a brief whole-berry heat treatment, then about 12 days of maceration in concrete, followed by around six months in large oak foudres.

The 2022 season was hot and dry, with harvest beginning early (August 19), yet the wine is repeatedly described as balanced and fresh for the year. Decanter calls it “soft, juicy, velvety tannins” and “an approachable and well-balanced vintage… thanks to its tannic finesse, acidity and freshness” (92 points), while also noting it is “quite a tannic vintage.” James Suckling likewise awards an excellent 92 points, describing “a focused, lively and succulent Cotes-du-Rhone” with cherry and raspberry fruit, dried herbs, and baking spice, finishing “focused… with length.”

On the aromatic side, Vinous highlights “ripe raspberry, pressed violets, licorice and dried herbs” and a palate “shaped gently by soft tannins,” recommending time: “Give it another two years” (91 points). Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate rates it 91+ and provides a blend detail—“30% Mourvèdre, 30% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 10% Cinsault”—adding that it’s “enveloping and layered… with a tense mid-palate and a fresh, ethereal finish,” concluding: “a consistent wine and a solid value.” Jeb Dunnuck (90 points) emphasizes its savory edge—“spicy herbs, ground pepper, leather”—and says it “should age nicely for 8–10 years,” though it’s already enjoyable now.