This wine is dark and rich with background notes of black cherry and green pepper. Fine, soft tannins and subtle oak contribute well-balanced roundness, and the finish lingers considerably longer than you might expect. If Cabernet is California's luxury wine, this one is arguably the best bargain going.
Another top value is the 2010 Cotes du Rhone Reserve red, a blend of 50% Grenache from their vineyards at Grand Prebois (adjacent to the Beaucastel estate), 20% Syrah from further north in Vinsobres, and the balance Carignan, Cinsault and other permitted grapes. The wine offers abundant amounts of red and black fruits intermixed with hints of tobacco leaf, earthy soil, pepper and spice. This supple-textured, delicious red is exactly what one expects of a very good Cotes du Rhone.
88 Points Wine Advocate
Vivid ruby. Complex aromas of red and dark berries, Indian spices and violet, with slow-building smokiness. Taut and focused on the palate, offering lively bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors that pick up weight with air. Juicy and nicely concentrated Cotes du Rhone with strong finishing punch and lingering spiciness.
90 Points Stephen Tanzer