2011 Saint Cosme - Cotes-du-Rhone
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Tasting notes
The red Saint-Cosme offerings include the 2011 Cotes du Rhone, which is mostly Syrah that is completely destemmed and aged in tank. This inky/purple-tinged, full-bodied, dense red exhibits smoky, meaty, blackberry notes (even though no oak is used). Louis Barruol has been at the top of his game since the late 1990s, and over the last few vintages, he has been making some of the finest wines in the southern Rhone as well as France. The glories here are Barruol’s single vineyard/special cuvees of Gigondas, but consumers should not overlook the terrific value offered by his Cotes du Rhones. The wines are sold under two monikers, Chateau Saint-Cosme and simply Saint-Cosme (his negociant line-up). Barroul produces a small quantity of Chateauneuf du Pape that is usually about 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault and 10% Syrah. Importer: Country Vintners, Ashland, VA; tel. (804) 752-3670
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Soft and supple, with loads of red and black fruits, pepper, wild herbs, leather, and earth, the 2011 Saint-Cosme Côtes du Rhône is a medium-bodied red that a delicious, easy going feel, no hard edges, and just begs to be drunk. Pure, polished, and with loads of fruit, it’s a no brainer quaffer meant for consuming over the coming 2-3 years.