Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2001

Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2001: A blend of 30% each Marsanne, Viognier and Bourboulenc, with 10% Clairette. A mid gold hue. The nose quickly opens up here, to reveal aromas of tropical and stone fruit salad, with notes of sweet, juicy pears and pineapple. The palate has a velvety, rounded texture, with a touch of grip derived from a low level of tannins, and quite shy acidity. There are flavours of sweet pear and cherimoya fruit, with a hint of peach, and somewhat more obvious notes of white pepper and vanilla too. Lovely. Ready now, and for drinking over the next five years. 17/20 (2/4/04)