This is fabulous buying on this ripe and spicy wee number from one of the Rhone Valley's legendary producers who has been making wine there for over 200 years. Adhering to organic and bio-dynamic principles the wines of Chapoutier deliver great value and excellent quality.
The vineyards of the red Côtes du Rhône Belleruche cover 4 departments, Drome, Ardeche, Vaucluse and Gard on a variety of soils (clay and calcareous alluvial deposit) giving Belleruche and extraordinary richness and complexity. Garnet red in colour with aromas of red fruits (mainly morello cherries) and spices, licorice and pepper. On the palate this wine shows great structure and firm silky tannins.
92/100 Cameron Douglas MS, December 2022 (2021 Vintage)
"Aromas and flavours of fresh red and dark red plums, some white pepper spice and raspberry then scents of stones and a gentle oak and lees quality. Violets and crushed stone. Refreshing, fruity and dry on the palate with flavours of cherries and plums, red apples and wild forest berries. The mineral earthy quality weaves through the palate accentuated by acidity and youthful firmish tannins. Ripe, fruity, and well made with best drinking from 2023 through 2027+."
91/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, February 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"A light touch of spice upfront with dark berry, mushroom and toasted almond notes, it's succulent and smooth in the mouth delivering supple texture and well-integrated tannins. Beautifully balanced and flavoursome with a lengthy savoury finish. At its best: now to 2028."