2010 Chateau de Saint Cosme, Gigondas, Hominis Fides

Pure perfection, the 2010 Gigondas Hominis Fides (200 cases produced) boasts over-the-top richness, an extraordinary, room-filling bouquet of red, black and blue fruits intermixed with charcoal, subtle new oak, forest floor and spice box. With fabulous richness, a massive mouthfeel and a delicacy and subtlety that belie its heft, weight, richness, precision and delineated character, this remarkable Gigondas may be the finest wine I have ever tasted from this appellation. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades. Louis Barruol has been at the top of his game since the late 1990s, and over the last few vintages, he has been making some of the finest wines in the southern Rhone as well as France. The glories here are Barruol’s single vineyard/special cuvees of Gigondas, but consumers should not overlook the terrific value offered by his Cotes du Rhones. The wines are sold under two monikers, Chateau Saint-Cosme and simply Saint-Cosme (his negociant line-up). Barroul produces a small quantity of Chateauneuf du Pape that is usually about 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault and 10% Syrah. Importer: Country Vintners, Ashland, VA; tel. (804) 752-3670

Pure perfection, the 2010 Gigondas Hominis Fides (200 cases produced) boasts over-the-top richness, an extraordinary, room-filling bouquet of red, black and blue fruits intermixed with charcoal, subtle new oak, forest floor and spice box. With fabulous richness, a massive mouthfeel and a delicacy and subtlety that belie its heft, weight, richness, precision and delineated character, this remarkable Gigondas may be the finest wine I have ever tasted from this appellation. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades.