2012 Saint Cosme, Cotes du Rhone Rouge, Rhone Valley, France.
Saint Cosme’s Cotes du Rhone has become iconic, a symbol for quality in this class of wine and is highly sought after with an intense almost cult like following, and yes it is worth the hype, this is a great wine. Louis Barruol is making some of the finest wines in the region, especially his Gigondas, but I’ve always been an admirer of his well crafted basic reds and whites as well, and he also does amazing Syrah wines from Cote Rotie too. The 2012 Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Rouge (100% Syrah aged in vat) is lush and creamy with loads of dark fruit, vibrant purple color and a nice bit of spice to it. This Rhone red is easy going all ready and is meant to be drunk up young, so for it, it is super pleasing now and should go another few years no problem. The nose starts with cassis, anise and peppery spice with hints of animal and stony earth before a round and refined palate of boysenberry, framboise and ripe plum along with touches of black licorise, garrigue and blueberry. This stuff goes fast, and as easy and fun as it is, it is no wonder.
($15 Est.) 90-92 Points, grapelive
Avail at www.sfwtc.com ($13.95)