2013 Saint Cosme, Cotes-du-Rhone, Red, France.
Every year, almost without fail I try Saint Cosme Cotes-du-Rhone, and every time I’m just as excited and impressed by this wine. Louis Barruol and his team at Chateau de Saint Cosme deserve all the acclaim and credit they get, for vintage after vintage they turn out some of the best wine for the money any where, especially this one. The basic Saint Cosme Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge is 100% Syrah in most every vintage I remember and it is always a lovely wine, and the latest release from 2013 is no exception with great vitality, charm and style showing dark fruit, spice and savory notes. The Saint Cosme 2013 Cotes-du-Rhone starts with violets, tar, meat and damson plum, black olive, along with a medium/full palate of boysenberry, black cherry, blueberry and currant fruits plus peppercorns, chalky/dusty stones, licorice, lavender, bacon and kirsch/liqueur. The alcohol is about 13.5% and while the texture is rich, there is a juicy freshness and brightness that is pleasing and adds to the balanced feel, this wine is dark hued goodness and I highly recommend securing a bunch this fall. This is a top value in my book and it should drink well for the next 3 to 5 years, but no need to wait, I can tell you, I’m a huge fan and I’ll be scoring more than a few bottles myself.
($16 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
