2012 Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Blanc

A step up, the 2012 Cotes du Rhone is almost all Syrah that comes from higher elevation vineyards in Vinsobres and the Gard region (western side of the Rhone River). Offering big, bright berry fruits, pepper, olive and hints of meatiness, it is a medium-bodied, elegant and rock-solid Cotes du Rhone that has loads of character. It’s a serious value to drink over the coming 4-5 years. Without a doubt, the leading estate in Gigondas is Louis Barruol’s Chateau Saint-Cosme. Located just outside the village, he releases an assortment of world class Gigondas, as well as a number of value priced, negotiate-styled Cotes du Rhone efforts that always deliver high-quality (these are normally released under his Saint-Cosme label and do not say Chateau Saint-Cosme). Both 2011 and 2012 are incredibly strong here and readers should not miss these wines! The three single vineyard releases are basically 100% Grenache, from unique terroirs, that are brought up all in Burgundy barrels, 30% being new, 40% 1-year-old and the balance 2-3-year old. In addition to these wines, I review a number of Barruol’s northern Rhone releases in Issue 210 as well, and covered his Chateauneuf du Papes in Issue 209. eRobertParker.com #210 Dec 2013 reviewer: Jeb Dunnuck