1997 Coudolet de Beaucastel Cotes-du-Rhone

[wondersofwine]

I think I paid under $20. Have seen it for as low as $13 when the retailer wanted to move it out to accommodate the next vintage and as high as $23. This is a second label of Chateau de Beaucastel. Made by the Perrin brothers with grape varietals of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape with Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah predominant. The grapes are organically grwon without chemical fertilizers, herbicides or systemic pesticides. Wine is unfiltered. I was told by store employee to refrigerate it until shortly before drinking because he said organic methods mean it could spoil at room temperature. (Foodie or Bucko, can you verify? I had not previously been warned to refrigerate wines from organically grown grapes.)
Alcohol: 12.5%
Color: dark purple-red, almost opaque
Gave a little air time to awaken bouquet
Nose: cherries, black currants
Taste: cherries, light touch of cedar, black currants and black pepper
Long finish.
Paired it one night with beef stew and another night with T-bone steak. Noticed some gritty tannins the first night but not after the first glass. Best with food (hard cheeses would also work).