Team C&J
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of France’s most revered wine regions, has long been celebrated for producing wines of unparalleled depth and character. The 2020 Château de Saint Cosme Châteauneuf-du-Pape exemplifies why this region remains a benchmark for quality and elegance in the wine world. Under the careful guidance of winemaker Louis Barruol, this wine captures the essence of its terroir, blending tradition with innovation to create a wine that is both timeless and contemporary.
Château de Saint Cosme is one of the Rhône Valley’s oldest and most respected estates, dating back to the Roman era. The Barruol family, which has been at the helm of the estate since 1570, continues to uphold the traditions that have made this estate a pillar of the region. The 2020 vintage is a testament to the estate’s commitment to quality and its deep understanding of the unique terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The winemaker, Louis Barruol, is renowned for his ability to craft powerful and nuanced wines that reflect the complexity of the region’s diverse soils. His approach to winemaking is both traditional and forward-thinking, allowing the natural characteristics of the grapes to shine through while employing modern techniques to enhance the wine’s structure and depth.
The 2020 Château de Saint Cosme Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a Classic blend of four grape varieties: 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, and 5% Cinsault. Each varietal brings something unique to the blend, contributing to the wine’s overall complexity and balance.
Grenache, the dominant grape in this blend, provides a rich core of ripe red fruit flavors, with notes of black cherry and strawberry that are both vibrant and concentrated. Mourvèdre adds structure and depth, with earthy undertones of tobacco and smoke that lend a sense of gravitas to the wine. Syrah contributes a peppery spiciness and a hint of black currant, while Cinsault adds a delicate floral note that lifts the wine and gives it an elegant finish.
This careful selection and blending of varietals create a layered and multifaceted wine, offering something new with each sip. The balance of fruit, tannin, and acidity is impeccable, making this wine both approachable now and capable of aging gracefully over the next decade.
Louis Barruol’s approach to winemaking is one of respect for tradition combined with a desire to innovate. The fermentation process is carried out in small, temperature-controlled vats, allowing for precise control over the development of flavors and aromas.
After fermentation, the wine is aged in a combination of new and used oak barrels. This careful use of oak adds complexity to the wine, with subtle notes of vanilla and spice that enhance the grapes’ natural flavors without overpowering them. The wine is then bottled without filtration, preserving the fruit’s purity and the terroir’s integrity.
This is a wine that captivates the senses from the moment it is poured into the glass. Its deep garnet color hints at the intensity of the flavors to come, while the high viscosity suggests a wine of substantial body and richness.
On the nose, the wine is immediately inviting, with pronounced aromas of smoke, tobacco, black cherry, and black currant. There is a warmth to the bouquet, with the oak influence providing a background of vanilla and spice that complements the fruit. As the wine opens up, more complex notes of earth, leather, and dried herbs begin to emerge, adding depth and intrigue.
The palate is where this wine truly shines. It is full-bodied and powerful, with a rich, velvety texture that coats the mouth. The flavors of black cherry and black currant are intense and concentrated, with a ripe sweetness that is perfectly balanced by the wine’s high tannin and low acidity. There are also notes of raspberry, smoke, and oak, which add layers of complexity to the wine. The finish is long and satisfying, with a lingering warmth and a touch of spice that invites another sip.
Despite its power, the wine is remarkably well-balanced, with each element in harmony. The high alcohol content is seamlessly integrated, providing structure and body without overwhelming the fruit. This balance makes the wine both enjoyable to drink now and capable of aging gracefully over the next decade.
This is a wine that embodies the best of what Châteauneuf-du-Pape has to offer. It is a wine of exceptional quality, crafted with skill and care by a winemaker who understands the nuances of the region and its grapes. At $67, it offers outstanding value for its level of complexity and depth, making it a must-try for any wine enthusiast.
France
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Red Blend
15
Louis Barruol
62–68°F / 16–20°C
Burgundy
60 Minutes
Now to 2030
Chateau De Saint Cosme
All things wine, and food you could ever need or want — straight to your email!
