Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesLastly, and a perfect wine, the 2019 Gigondas Le Poste comes from a tiny vineyard located just across the street from the domaine, and as with all these single vineyard releases, it’s 100% Grenache, not destemmed, and aged in mostly used Burgundy barrels. Louis compares the vintage to 1998, and I can’t disagree with him, as the wines are powerful yet structured. Incredible notes of cassis, currants, scorched earth, and wildflowers all show on the nose, and it’s full-bodied and perfectly balanced, with ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and an incredible finish. It’s as good as anything out there.
A stunner from the start, with a piercingly pure and beautiful display of violet and cherry purée aromas and flavors taking center stage, supported by ultra-refined chalky minerality and fine beaded acidity. Lacy rooibos tea, garrigue and lavender accents drape the finish, adding a beguiling note at the very end. Beautiful wine.
This release is an solar powerhouse compared to its typically sleeker, graceful expressions of Gigondas. Richly concentrated in flavors of black fig and blueberry preserves, it maintains vitality, marked by streaks of crushed stone and salt. A velveteen sip framed by soft, supple tannins, it has a nose-tickling, white-pepper finish.
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.
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.
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.