Saint Cosme 2019 Condrieu Rhône France

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94 Points Jeb Dunnuck - Classic peach, tangerine, and honeyed flower notes emerge from the 2019 Condrieu and it’s smoking good on the palate, showing medium to full-bodied richness, a rounded, supple texture, and notable purity of fruit. Readers looking for a textbook Condrieu can’t go wrong with this. Enjoy bottles over the coming 4-5 years.

92 Points Wine Advocate - Honeyed aromas of super ripe fruit lead the way in Saint Cosme’s 2019 Condrieu. Mango and apricot lead the way although the wine does retain a minor floral component and hints of peppery, aniseed-like spice. It’s full-bodied, round and mouthfilling, yet avoids any sense of oiliness or heaviness – no small feat in a white wine that’s labeled at 15% abv. Still, I’d drink this vintage young.

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 Condrieu is produced from fully-ripened Viognier which Louis Barruol believes is essential to achieving the variety’s full potential. “But ripeness must not imply excessive alcohol,” says Barruol, “We seek balance.” The wine is matured for eight months in used 228-liter barrels and undergoes full malolactic fermentation on fine lees for 12 months.

Tasting Notes - Saint Cosme Condrieu shows classic aromas and flavors of dried apricot, peach, and orange blossom with fennel, anise, and elderflower. Twelve months of aging on its fine lees in used Burgundian pièce brings texture to the palate. This is a classic Condrieu.

Food Pairing - Viognier aged in neutral barrels has a full body and rich texture with medium acidity. It is easily paired with dishes that feature creamy sauces, mild white fish, and roasted pork or chicken.