Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas 2015
-
Wine
Spectator -
James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
'You can never have too much of a good thing' – this proverb sums up the 2015 vintage. The 2015 Gigondas is reminiscent of the 2010 for its density, depth, mellowness and saline freshness. Gigondas offers a fairly unusual rendition of Grenache, difficult to compare with what you find in neighboring areas. Its character can be ascribed to the ubiquitous limestone marl in the appellation. And Saint Cosme is a very unusual rendition of Gigondas because the soils are distinctively Tortonian and virtually non-existent in other parts of the appellation. This unique soil type at Saint Cosme combines with a cold microclimate with temperature readings matching those at elevations of 400m above sea level, whereas the vineyards sit at an altitude of 240m. This combination of natural factors makes Saint Cosme virtually incomparable and Grenache develops a persona that can be disconcerting such as its pervasive freshness – a dimension rarely associated with this grape. The vines face west and therefore bask in the balmy evening sunshine; in the morning, they are sheltered by the Dentelles de Montmirail – these natural patterns impart balance and texture to the wines. All of this is even more discernible in great vintages like 2015. Excellence, therefore, does serve an educational purpose. Strawberry, violet, iodine and liquorice.
Blend: 70% Grenache, 14% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, 1% Cinsault
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Spectator
A textbook version of the brawny side of Gigondas, this offers a grippy alder bass line underneath layers of dark currant and fig fruit, while lots of tobacco, rosemary and bay fill in throughout. Muscular and energetic, this is built for the cellar. Best from 2019 through 2030.
-
James Suckling
Attractive deep and rich cherry and blackberry fruits, with some savory cola and sweet baking spices, too. The palate has deep flavorsome and fleshy appeal. Long and spicy dark plum fruit finish.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A medium to full-bodied blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre raised in a combination of concrete, foudres and barriques, the 2015 Gigondas offers lovely spice and garrigue notes, dark fruit and a long, dry finish. It's a classic introduction to the appellation.
Other Vintages
2021- Vinous
-
Wine
Spectator -
James
Suckling -
Jeb
Dunnuck
-
Wine
Spectator -
Jeb
Dunnuck -
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator -
Wine
Enthusiast - Decanter
-
Jeb
Dunnuck
-
Jeb
Dunnuck - Decanter
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Enthusiast -
Wine
Spectator -
Wine &
Spirits
-
James
Suckling -
Jeb
Dunnuck -
Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Enthusiast - Decanter
-
Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling -
Jeb
Dunnuck
-
Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker
-
Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker
-
Robert
Parker
-
Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker
-
Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker
-
Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker
-
Wine
Spectator
-
Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker
-
Robert
Parker
-
Robert
Parker
-
Robert
Parker
-
Robert
Parker
Chateau de Saint Cosme is the leading estate of Gigondas and produces the appellation’s benchmark wines. Wine has been produced on the site of Saint Cosme since Roman times, evident by the ancient Gallo-Roman vats carved into the limestone below the chateau. The property has been in the hands of Louis Barruol’s family since 1570. Henri and Claude Barruol took over in 1957 and gradually moved Saint Cosme away from the bulk wine business. Henri was one of the first in the region to work organically beginning in the 1970s. Louis Barruol took over from his father in 1992, making a dramatic shift to quality, adding a négociant arm to the business in 1997, and converting to biodynamics in 2010.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
The Southern Rhône region of Gigondas extends northwest from the notably jagged wall of mountains called the Dentelles di Montmirail, whose highest point climbs to about 2,600 feet. The region and its wines have much in common with the neighboring Chateauneuf-du-Pape except that the vineyards of Gigondas exist at higher elevation and its soils, comprised mainly of crumbled limestone from the Dentelles, often produce a more dense and robust Grenache-based red wine.
The region has a history of fine winemaking, extending back to Roman times. But by the 20th century, Gigondas was merely lumped into the less distinct zone of Côtes du Rhône Villages. However, it was first among these satellite villages to earn its own appellation, which occurred in 1971.
Gigondas reds must be between 50 to 100% Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre comprising the bulk of the remainder of the blend. They tend express rustic flavors and aromas of wild blackberry, raspberry, fig, plum, as well as juniper, dried herbs, anise, smoke and river rock. The best are bold but balanced, and finish with impressively sexy and velvety tannins.
The Gigondas appellation also produces rosé but no white wines.