Saint Cosme Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2011

I absolutely adored Saint Cosme Little James' Basket Press so I was delighted to give Saint Cosme Côtes du Rhône 2011 a pour. Château Saint Cosme is located in the heart of the Gigondas appellation and is one of the top producers of Côtes du Rhône. The Barruol family has owned the estate since 1490; Louis Barroul is the 14^thgeneration winemaker to head the property, his single vineyard/special cuvees of Gigondas are legendary. Robert Parker has declared him “passionate... and one of the southern Rhône’s most talented young winemakers.” With an average vine age of 60 years, Barroul strives to make wines that express the personality and purity of the extraordinary terrior and old vines. His wines are sold under two labels, Chateau Saint-Cosme and Saint-Cosme, which is his negociant line-up of wonderful Côtes du Rhône values.

Dark purple with red violet highlights, after decanting aromas of raspberry jam on toast along with traces of spicy clove swirled about in the glass. Aged in tanks to preserve fruit purity, fresh raspberry, tart cherry and blackberry flavours abounded in the medium body. Spicy black pepper and smoky charcoal notes comprised the moderate finish. Bright and tart, this is a fantastic glass for the table now, and with a couple of years under its belt I feel it will acquire more complexity and smoky depth.

100% Syrah

Côtes du Rhône

France

Bottled by Sarl Louis at Barruol Saint Cosme, Gigondas

14% Alcohol

$10

Enjoy now thru 2016

Rated 90 points by Wine Spectator

Rated 89 points by Wine Advocate