2007 Coudoulet de Beaucastel

Marc Perrin prefers his 2007s to the 2005s because he believes they are a perfect expression of typicity and character. "The tannins are more integrated, while the 2005s will have to stay buried for a long time to loosen up," he told me. The 2007s, he thinks, "will age like the 2005s, but they will always be attractive, even on release, which is completely unlike the '05s. It might sound like hype but we think that 2007 is the best vintage ever at Beaucastel. I know that I'm not the only one around here who is saying that. " Perrin is afraid that 2006 will get lost between '05 and '07. "The wines are suave and sweet, classic expressions of Provence and wonderfully elegant. Their balance will enable them to age for a long time but you won't get the drama of '05 and '07, which is just fine with me. " (Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL)