Chateau de Saint Cosme Saint Joseph 2023 - 750ml

92pts Jeb Dunnuck

The 2023 Saint Joseph reveals beautiful liquid violets, pepper, and darker blue fruits, with a focused, medium-bodied style on the palate. It has good concentration, integrated acidity, and polished tannins, with an undeniable sense of minerality on the finish.

92pts Wine Spectator

A sturdy, dark version, with earthy underpinnings of brown bread, olive tapenade, dusty earth and sandalwood smoke layered with macerated plum, dried lavender and bacon fat. Structured and well-framed, with juniper, herbs and grilled anise streaming through the substantial finish, where fine yet present tannins hold firm. This will unfurl with time. Drink now through 2033. 

Winemaker Notes

Louis Barruol describes the microclimate of the vineyard Malleval as “very cold” which allows the grapes to retain acidity and showcase the floral aromas of the local Sérine variety. Aromas and flavors of blackberries and wild strawberries are accented by notes of peppercorns, tobacco, peonies, and violets.

Syrah, with its deep flavors and firm tannins, is a natural match for grilled or smoked meat and dishes featuring herbs, roasted mushrooms, and onions. Seared venison or beef with black pepper and thyme or a Moroccan tagine of pigeon or chicken are complimented by the spicy characteristic of Syrah.

Blend: 100% Syrah

Winery Notes

Château de Saint Cosme is the leading estate of Gigondas and produces the benchmark wines of the appellation. The property has been in the hands of the Barruol family since 1490. Louis Barruol took over from his father in 1992 making a dramatic shift to quality and converting to biodynamics in 2010.

The estate lies in the heart of Gigondas where 15 hectares of vineyard grow in the shade of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain. In addition to the estate-grown wines labeled “Château de Saint Cosme,” Louis Barruol buys grapes from contracted growers, labeling these “négociant” wines simply as “Saint Cosme.”

Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph is produced from 100% Sérine, an ancient and local variety of Syrah that is markedly different from modern selections. It is more oval, with lots of space in the bunch, resulting in a very aromatic wine. It is sourced from the climat Malleval in the northern part of the appellation near Condrieu. The wine is made from 70% destemmed with 30% whole clusters, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and aged in 20% new 228-liter barrels.

Organic