Château de Saint Cosme, Saint-Joseph, Rhône, France, 2023

Overview of the Wine
Saint Cosme - located north to the village of Gigondas - is the most ancient estate in the region. Lying on the site of a Gallo-Roman villa which very probably already had its own vineyard, the estate's existence in 1416 is attested by a document mentioning the granting by Jean de Chalon, Price of Orange, of "land for the planting of vines on the Saint Cosme slopes." The Barruol's ancestors acquired it in 1570, and at the end of the sixteenth century built a splendid residence over existing cellars.

Château de Saint Cosme is the leading estate of Gigondas and produces the benchmark wines of the appellation. The property has been in the hands of the Barruol family since 1490. Louis Barruol took over from his father in 1992 making a dramatic shift to quality and converting to biodynamics in 2010.

Grape / Blend
100% Syrah

Origin
Saint-Joseph, Rhône, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Louis Barruol describes the microclimate of the vineyard Malleval as “very cold” which allows the grapes to retain acidity and showcase the floral aromas of the local Sérine variety. Aromas and flavors of blackberries and wild strawberries are accented by notes of peppercorns, tobacco, peonies, and violets.

Syrah, with its deep flavors and firm tannins, is a natural match for grilled or smoked meat and dishes featuring herbs, roasted mushrooms, and onions. Seared venison or beef with black pepper and thyme or a Moroccan tagine of pigeon or chicken are complimented by the spicy characteristic of Syrah. 

92 Points - Wine Spectator
A sturdy, dark version, with earthy underpinnings of brown bread, olive tapenade, dusty earth and sandalwood smoke layered with macerated plum, dried lavender and bacon fat. Structured and well-framed, with juniper, herbs and grilled anise streaming through the substantial finish, where fine yet present tannins hold firm. This will unfurl with time.

92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
The 2023 Saint Joseph reveals beautiful liquid violets, pepper, and darker blue fruits, with a focused, medium-bodied style on the palate. It has good concentration, integrated acidity, and polished tannins, with an undeniable sense of minerality on the finish.

91 Points - Vinous
Fermented with 100% whole clusters, the 2023 Saint-Joseph makes a compelling start, opening with ripe red fruits, orange rind, spicy tones and stemmy inflections. Touching the medium-bodied palate with lifting freshness and gentle structure, the 2023 is a well-crafted red Saint-Joseph that's going to be ready for action from day one.

Product size: 750ml