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Home | Producers | Saint Cosme

Saint Cosme

www.saintcosme.com
Louis Barruol
Louis Barruol
Country of Origin: France
People: Louis Barruol, Owner & Winemaker
Supplier: www.stacolewines.com


In the heart of the appellation Gigondas (300 metres from the village), the Chateau de Saint Cosme is the oldest estate in Gigondas with its Gallo-Roman fermentation vats perfectly preserved. The property has been in our family since 1490 and we have been vignerons for 14 generations.

We have 15 has of old vines (average 60 years old) with a yield of around 27Hl/Ha. We produce only Gigondas wines from our vineyards which encircle the Chateau: the terroir is apparently homogeneous but it's actually geologically very diverse as the Dentelles de Montmirail makes it very complicated. Saint Cosme is exceptionally located at the crossing of two geological faults, which is very rare. This gives us an extraordinary diversity of soils. Our microclimate is cool and late ripening. Our Gigondas have the ability to be powerful and refined at the same time. The Saint Cosme's Chapel, located in the heart of our vineyard is a pure example of roman art. Very simple and well-balanced, everyone should take five minutes to climb the little hill and visit it.

It was with the "savoir-faire" of a vigneron we created in 1997 a negociant activity that one could call a "Negociant-Vigneron". During my various travels and tastings in the Rhône Valley, I often thought that many great terroirs were under-exploited. I really liked some locations and I wanted to try. My wish was to become a negociant which would work with the spirit of a vigneron using ancient methods. This was meaning: being and remaining a small producer, be followed by winemakers having the same ambition, transport my wines in casks to avoid to rack them and kill their fruit, trying to do only nice things every day.

At Saint Cosme we usually work "à la main". I want to make wines which express their terroir with purity and personality. I want to make balanced wines with a great ability to age. ~ Louis Barroul
Items
Saint Cosme 2008 Condrieu Net Price Reviews —
Saint Cosme 2009 Condrieu Net Price — Downloads
Saint Cosme 2009 Cotes du Rhone Blanc Net Price — Downloads New!
Saint Cosme 2009 Little James Basket Press White Net Price — Downloads
Saint Cosme 2008 Ch. Cote du Rhone 'Les Deux Albions' Net Price Reviews Downloads
Saint Cosme 2008 Ch. Gigondas Hominis Fides Net Price Reviews Downloads
Saint Cosme 2008 Ch. Gigondas Le Claux Net Price Reviews Downloads
Saint Cosme 2008 Ch. Gigondas Net Price Reviews Downloads
Saint Cosme 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge Net Price Reviews —
Saint Cosme 2008 Cote Rotie Net Price Reviews Downloads
Saint Cosme 2008 Cotes du Rhone Rouge Net Price Reviews —
Saint Cosme 2009 Cotes du Rhone Rouge Net Price — Downloads
Saint Cosme 2008 Gigondas Le Poste Net Price Reviews Downloads
Saint Cosme NV Little James Basket Press RED Net Price Reviews Downloads
Saint Cosme 2007 Saint Joseph Net Price Reviews —
Reviews
Saint Cosme 2007 Saint Joseph
Rating: (89-91)

The 2007 St.-Joseph reveals notions of powdered rocks, black cherry and raspberry fruit, and olives. It should drink well for 5-6 years.

- The Wine Advocate (4/1/2009)

Saint Cosme 2008 Ch. Gigondas Le Claux
Rating: (90-92)

The deep ruby/purple-hued, medium-bodied 2008 Gigondas Le Claux offers notes of flowers, blueberries, black raspberries, cherries, and graphite. Enjoy this beauty in its first 5-7 years of life.

- The Wine Advocate (10/1/2009)

Saint Cosme 2008 Gigondas Le Poste
Rating: (91-93)

The 2008 Gigondas Le Poste's dense ruby/purple color is followed by a sweet berry-scented nose offering up aromas of licorice, lavender, crushed rocks, and blue and black fruits. This full-bodied, remarkably deep, concentrated wine is an outlier for the vintage. A stunning effort, it should evolve for at least a decade.

- The Wine Advocate (10/1/2009)

Saint Cosme 2008 Ch. Gigondas Hominis Fides
Rating: (90-92)

Similarly-styled, the dark ruby/purple-colored, elegant 2008 Gigondas Homides Fides displays impressive purity and phenolic maturity for a 2008. It reveals slightly more structure and tannin than Le Claux as well as a more backward mouthfeel, but equal depth and ripeness. This impressive 2008 should evolve over the next 6-8 years.

- The Wine Advocate (10/1/2009)

Saint Cosme 2008 Ch. Cote du Rhone 'Les Deux Albions'
Rating: 90

The 2008 Cotes du Rhone Les Deux Albion comes from Grenache planted in the Plan de Dieu and around the village of Carignan. Dark ruby/purple-hued, it offers plenty of kirsch and cassis notes intermixed with notions of underbrush, pepper, and earth. The wine cuts a broad, medium to full-bodied swath across the palate, and possesses impressive purity, length, and depth. It should drink nicely for 2-3 years.

- The Wine Advocate (10/1/2009)

Saint Cosme 2008 Cote Rotie
Rating: 87

Deep ruby. High-pitched aromas of raspberry and blackberry are complemented by dried flowers and black tea. Smoky, gently sweet, modestly concentrated dark fruit flavors display pinot-like texture and spiciness, with no rough edges or obvious tannins. Could use more depth but then this is from 2008. Finishes with good precision and a tangy note of blood orange.

- International Wine Cellar (2/1/2010)

Saint Cosme 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
Rating: 93

Bright purple. Exotically perfumed bouquet of black raspberry, potpourri and smoky Indian spices. Lush, creamy, expansive red and dark berry preserve flavors are complemented by notes of allspice and anise, with supple tannins gaining strength on the back end. A kick of zesty spices lends energy and thrust to the finish, but this seamless wine is delicious already.

- International Wine Cellar (2/1/2010)

Saint Cosme 2008 Ch. Gigondas
Rating: 89-91

The 2008 Gigondas exhibits a dark ruby/purple-tinged color along with sweet aromas of black fruits, licorice, tobacco leaf, and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied with admirable concentration and depth, it is an elegant, richly fruity Gigondas that should drink nicely for 5-6 years.

- The Wine Advocate (10/1/2009)

Saint Cosme 2008 Condrieu
Rating: 91

Light, bright gold. Mineral-driven aromas of pear, lime and lemongrass, with a smoky overtone. Racy, sharply focused citrus flavors pack a punch without showing any excess weight and gain sweetness with air. This received 25% new oak but I find the smokiness to be in harmony with the intense fruit. Delicious now but I've seen this bottling age well for at least four years after the vintage.

- International Wine Cellar (1/30/2010)

Saint Cosme 2007 Ch. Gigondas Le Claux
Rating: 93

Dark purple. Vibrant raspberry and blackberry aromas are complicated by smoky minerals and potpourri, with a hint of white pepper coming up late. Tightly wound berry flavors stain the palate and are given depth by a note of licorice. Turns spicier with air and finishes with excellent clarity and a lingering floral quality. This is showing a lot of complexity already but should be cellared for at least another five years.

- International Wine Cellar (1/30/2010)

Saint Cosme 2007 Ch. Gigondas
Rating: 90

Deep, bright ruby. Bright aromas of cherry and blackberry, with notes of white pepper and underbrush coming up with air. Lively, sharply focused red fruit flavors give way to bitter cherry in the middle palate, with dusty tannins providing structural support. The peppery note lingers on the long, sappy finish, which echoes the cherry note.

- International Wine Cellar (1/30/2010)

Saint Cosme 2007 Ch. Gigondas Hominis Fides
Rating: 94

Glass-staining ruby. Exotically perfumed bouquet offers an expansive array of red and dark berry, floral and spice scents. Raspberry, mulberry and lavender pastille flavors are strikingly pure and concentrated but not heavy, benefiting from a suave spiciness and good mineral lift. The finish is sweet, penetrating and exceptionally long, leaving lush red fruit and floral notes behind.

- International Wine Cellar (1/30/2010)

Saint Cosme 2007 Saint Joseph
Rating: 91

Inky purple. Smoky aromas of dark berries, minerals and violet. Zesty dark fruit flavors are braced by strong minerality, becoming smokier and spicier with air. Lively and pure on the finish, which leaves sweet dark berry and floral notes behind. I like this wine's graceful personality and clarity.

- International Wine Cellar (1/30/2010)

Saint Cosme 2008 Cotes du Rhone Rouge
Rating: 87

With respect to Barruols negociant line of wines, called Saint-Cosme, the very good 2008 Cotes du Rhone is primarily Syrah, much of it coming from such cool areas as Vinsobres. Attractive notes of creosote, blackberries, black currants, licorice, and truffles are followed by a medium-bodied, admirably textured wine with excellent fruit and definition. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. When I first met Louis Barruol a number of years ago, it was apparent that he had no shortage of competence, passion, or talent, so it is extremely satisfying to write the following reviews, which confirm the young Barruol as one of the superstars of the Rhone Valley. Even his work with what are considered to be “minor” wines from the Cotes du Rhone and his non-vintage solera system Little James is nothing short of exceptional. He has also performed well above expectations in the more challenging vintage of 2008, generally a disappointing year in Gigondas, but not in these cellars. Barruol’s two cuvees of 2008 white wines are not to be missed (2008 is a much better vintage for white grapes than it was for reds). Barruol was not discouraged from making his four cuvees of Gigondas in 2008. As he said, it was a question of picking very late, doing a severe culling in the vineyard, and later, another triage once the grapes came into the winery. His success is evident with the following four wines, all sold under the Chateau Saint-Cosme label. While Barruol decided not to make a Valbelle in 2008, three single vineyard offerings were produced. Louis Barruol and I agree that his finest wines to date are his five cuvees of 2007 Gigondas.

- The Wine Advocate (10/1/2009)

Saint Cosme 2007 Ch. Gigondas Le Claux
Rating: 96

Smoky, with an exotic roasted fig edge, along with charred mesquite, sage and blackberry paste notes. Shows a bright floral note as well, with a racy underpinning that carries all the weight effortlessly and keeps bringing you back for more. Drink now through 2022. 365 cases made.

- The Wine Spectator (12/15/2009)

Saint Cosme 2007 Gigondas Le Poste
Rating: 96

Dense but racy, with a terrifically focused minerality that cuts like a laser through the layers of raspberry ganache, graphite, melted fig and black tea. Long and very precise on the finish, with great latent grip. A stunning combination of power and precision. Best from 2010 through 2022. 125 cases made.

- The Wine Spectator (12/15/2009)

Saint Cosme 2007 Ch. Gigondas Hominis Fides
Rating: 95

Sappy, with intense kirsch, raspberry ganache and graphite notes that course through, while mineral, roasted fig and spice notes flash alongside. The tangy, invigorating finish just goes on and on. Drink now through 2020. 215 cases made.

- The Wine Spectator (12/15/2009)

Saint Cosme (1.5 LTR) 2007 Ch. Gigondas Valbelle
Rating: 94

Still tight, but with a gorgeous core of raspberry and black Mission fig fruit in reserve, as well as black tea, chalky minerality and a long, perfumy finish that really stretches out nicely. Should blossom with cellaring. Best from 2010 through 2019. 665 cases made.

- The Wine Spectator (12/15/2009)

Saint Cosme 2007 Ch. Gigondas
Rating: 93

Ripe and very suave, with gorgeous toast and Black Forest cake aromas leading the way for mulled fig, boysenberry and kirsch flavors. The long, rich finish is well-detailed, with blazing minerality stretching it out. Drink now through 2020. 3,330 cases made.

- The Wine Spectator (12/15/2009)

Saint Cosme 2008 CDR Blanc
Rating: 89

A blend of Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne and the rarely encountered Picpoul. It offers exoctic notes of tropical fruits, peaches, apricots and honeysuckle. This medium-weight, crisp, fresh, lively white will provide plenty of pleasure over the next year.

- The Wine Advocate (10/31/2009)

Saint Cosme 2007 Ch. Gigondas
Rating: 93

The 2007 Gigondas possesses a dense purple color in addition to a stunning bouquet of charcoal, blueberry and blackberry liqueur, acacia flowers and a hint of chalk. Full-bodied with terrific intensity, a layered texture, gorgeous freshness, and acids that provide a well-defined personality to the blockbuster Gigondas. Despite its size, substance and depth, the overall impression is one of sublime elegance and purity. Enjoy it over the next 10-12 years.

- The Wine Advocate (10/31/2009)

Saint Cosme NV Little James Basket Press RED
Rating: 88

The non-vintage Vin de Table Little James Basket Press is created from a solera system based on 50% from 2008 and the rest from older vintages. It is always 100% Grenache and is finished with a screw cap. This beauty offers lots of spicy, peppery, black cherry and even blacker fruits along with medium body, a tasty, satisfying style and a remarkably low price. It is best drunk in its first 1-2 years of life.

- The Wine Advocate (10/31/2009)

Saint Cosme 2007 Ch. Gigondas Le Claux
Rating: 97

The 2007 Gigondas Le Claux (4,000 bottles produced) is another stunning example of this appellation. Full-bodied and deep with abundant notes of graphite, spring flowers, blue and blackberries, charcoal, and incense, a nearly endless finish, and stunning richness, purity, and overall flavor depth, it is accessible because of its fruit character, and will evolve for 12-15 years.

- The Wine Advocate (10/31/2009)

Saint Cosme 2007 Ch. Gigondas Hominis Fides
Rating: 100

Utterly perfect, the 2007 Gigondas Homides Fides is the finest Gigondas I have ever tasted (it is first ever to merit a perfect score). The sad news is that there are only 250 cases for the world. A true elixir, a smorgasbord of aromas soars from the glass, including scents of blue, red, and black fruits, spring flowers, incense, and damp earth (somewhat reminiscent of a fresh black truffle). The wine possesses superb intensity, a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, and alcohol, phenomenal concentration and purity, and impressive precision as well as length (the finish lasts close to one minute). It is not as accessible as the Valbelle or Le Claux, so 2-3 years of cellaring will be beneficial. I suspect this wine will evolve for 15 or more years. Bravo to Louis Barruol.

- The Wine Advocate (10/31/2009)

Saint Cosme 2007 Gigondas Le Poste
Rating: 96+

The most limited bottling of the 2007s is the 2007 Gigondas Le Poste (125 cases produced). Again, tell-tale floral notes are intermixed with blue and black fruits as well as hints of creosote and crushed rocks. This superb, full-bodied, but more restrained and reserved effort exhibits the most tannin and structure of all these Gigondas. While more backward and unexpressive, it is still a blockbuster in terms of force, richness, and potential complexity and ability to age for a wine from this appellation. Forget it for 2-3 years, and drink it over the following 15 years.

- The Wine Advocate (10/31/2009)

Saint Cosme 2007 Ch. Gigondas Valbelle
Rating: 95

The prodigious, full-bodied 2007 Gigondas Valbelle exhibits a dense purple color as well as a glorious perfume of spring flowers, blueberries, blackberries, dark cherries, and ink. It reveals prodigious concentration, a 45+-second finish, and no hardness or rough edges. The vintage’s acids have given the wine tremendous aromatic and flavor freshness, delineation, and vibrancy despite its enormous size and richness. This wine should evolve for 10-15+ years.

- The Wine Advocate (10/31/2009)

Saint Cosme 2007 Cote Rotie
Rating: 89-92

Inky ruby. Sexy aromas of Asian spices, blackberry, graphite and cracked pepper. Silky in texture, with medium-bodied dark berry and cherry flavors and a kick of black pepper. Turns spicier on the focused, persistent finish.

- International Wine Cellar (1/1/2009)

Saint Cosme 2006 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
Rating: 94

A dense, chewy style, with a mix of red and black plum, fig and blackberry fruit laced with dark cocoa, beef and black licorice notes. The long, muscular finish has a tarry edge. Very powerful for the vintage. Best from 2010 through 2025.

- The Wine Spectator (10/22/1009)

Saint Cosme (1.5 LTR) 2007 Ch. Gigondas Valbelle
Rating: 94-96

“The 8,000-bottle cuvee of 2007 Gigondas Valbelle offers superb notes of black raspberries, blackberries, truffles, and camphor along with enormous concentration, an extravagantly rich mouthfeel, and a finish that lasts nearly a minute. With sweet tannin, fabulous depth, and awesome purity, this stunning wine will drink well for 12-15 years.”

- The Wine Advocate (2/1/2008)

Saint Cosme 2007 Gigondas
Rating: 91-93

The 2007 Gigondas tradition possesses extravagant blackberry and cassis fruit, deep, full-bodied flavors, and even more power, structure, and depth than the 2006. With fresh acidity as well as remarkable aromatic penetration, it should provide pleasure for 15 or more years. Louis Barruol’s Chateau Saint-Cosme excelled in 2006 with Gigondas, and even eclipsed those efforts with his 2007s. There are four Gigondas selections based on individual terroirs, all of which are brilliant examples of terrific terroirs and impeccable winemaking. Barruol has expanded his business into a negociant line of wines, called Saint-Cosme.

- The Wine Advocate (2/1/2009)

Saint Cosme NV Little James Basket Press RED
Rating: 89

Under the Saint-Cosme label, his non-vintage Little James Basket Press Vin de Table is one of the top bargain picks available. It is based on a solera system, and the newest incarnation is composed of 50% from 2007 and the rest older vintages. It represents a confiture of black raspberries and cherries interwoven with pepper, spice, and earth. Deep, fruity, round, and pure, it is an attractive red to drink over the next year or so.

- The Wine Advocate (2/1/2009)

Saint Cosme 2007 Cote du Rhone 'Les Deux Albions'
Rating: 90

The 2007 Cotes du Rhone Les Deux Albions is sensational. A blend of 40% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and the rest equal parts Mourvedre and Clairette, a domaine wine from a 15-acre vineyard, exhibits a deep ruby/purple color as well as a sumptuous bouquet of exotic flowers, blackberries, cassis, and a hint of peaches. This luscious, rich, concentrated, hedonistic as well as complex 2007 should drink well for 3-4 years.

- The Wine Advocate (2/1/2009)

Saint Cosme 2007 Gigondas Hominis Fides
Rating: 94-97

Utterly profound, the 2007 Gigondas Hominis Fides (fashioned from 100-year old Grenache vines planted in limestone and sand) is an extraordinary elixir possessing full-bodied power, beautiful sweet blackberry and black raspberry fruit, spring flowers and crushed rocks notes, and awesome purity as well as depth. This exceptional wine is a candidate for two decades of cellaring.

- The Wine Advocate (2/1/2009)

Saint Cosme 2007 Gigondas Le Poste
Rating: 95-98

As difficult as it is to believe, the 2007 Gigondas Le Poste may be even better. There are only 2,000 bottles of this beauty, which exhibits notes of roasted meats, forest floor, black raspberry, and creme de cassis, and an enormous, full-bodied mouthfeel with superb purity, and a huge, 60-second finish. It is a staggeringly great Gigondas. Everything Louis Barruol has produced from this appellation in 2007 is extra special.

- The Wine Advocate (2/1/2009)

Saint Cosme 2007 Gigondas Valbelle
Rating: 94-96

The 8,000-bottle cuvee of 2007 Gigondas Valbelle offers superb notes of black raspberries, blackberries, truffles, and camphor along with enormous concentration, an extravagantly rich mouthfeel, and a finish that lasts nearly a minute. With sweet tannin, fabulous depth, and awesome purity, this stunning wine will drink well for 12-15 years.

- The Wine Advocate (2/1/2009)