Winery: Chateau Saint Cosme

Vintage: 2016

Wine Name/Vineyard: Saint Joseph

Wine Category: Syrah

Grape blend: 100% Syrah

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Gigondas (Southern Rhone)

State or country: France

Price: $40.00

ABV: 13%

Cases produced: N/A

The Barrel Cellar Score:  92 points

Review date: February 19, 2020

About the Winemaker:  Chateau de Saint Cosme’s vines have an average age of 60 years.  The Chateau’s Saint Joseph Syrah is a shining example of the complexity and character that old vines can produce. The vineyards where the grapes that produced this wine grow, enjoy granite soil and steep (well draining) slopes, which are common to the southern Rhone Valley.  What truly makes this wine unique, is that it is produced from a unique variety of Syrah called Sérine. Sérine grapes present unique character notes when compared to more common Syrah clones.

Color:  Deep purple

Nose:  Blackberry, violet, and smoke.

Taste: Raspberry, blueberry, white pepper, and a hint of smoke  Finish: sustained with a touch of plum skin and ripened cherries.

Assessment:  What a well-made Syrah this is.  This wine was produced using 30% whole clusters and 70% destemmed grapes. The result is a wine offering soft acidity, silky-smooth texture, and tannins that complement the juice perfectly.  The wine needed some time to open up before I could really appreciate the complexity it offers.  The wine is fruity but not sweet, acidic but not tart, and tannic but not dry.  It’s full bodied, but it doesn’t coat your tongue with heavy fruit. This allows for most of the character notes to take turns presenting themselves and none overwhelms another.

I have a couple bottles of this still “cellaring,” I expect that they will age well for atleast another 5 years.  That being said, the wine is great now – just make sure to decant for at least an hour.

Chateau St. Cosme Saint Joseph is an exceptional wine.  92 points.

Pairing recommendation:  Grilled pork loin, sharp cheese and fresh olives.