Situated in the heart of Gigondas is one of the region's oldest estates, Chateau St. Cosme. The property has been in the same family for some 500 years. In 1992 Louis Barroul took control of the winemaking from his father and made that 'giant leap' to bottle and market his own wine. Previously his father had sold his wine to the local co-operative.
The intense, articulate Louis Barroul is an uncompromising wine maker and highly self-critical. If he is at all unsatisfied with his wines he does not hesitate to sell off in bulk. Since harvesting here occurs later than the norm Louis was forced to sell his entire stock of the 1994 Gigondas because, as he told me, he had waited for the optimum maturity in his vineyards only to be defeated by the rains. There is a degree of commitment bordering on fanaticism here that I have rarely encountered elsewhere. Louis' understanding of what is required to make top-class wine has no equal.
Per case ex VAT
Northern Rhone
2004 Cote Rotie Ruby-red color. Wild, potent scents of tangy dark berries, cherry, mint, violet pastille and grilled, peppery meat; this delivers real wine-class Cote-Rotie aromatics. Spicy and rich on the palate, with very sweet blackberry and cherry cola flavors accented by fruity black pepper and mocha. Finishes rich, intense and long, with firm but well-buffered tannins. (ST)
331.00
2006 Cote Rotie By working with individual growers in Ampuis, cultivating the vines himself and vinifying the grapes in his own winery, Louis manages to make a Cote Rotie that is simply stunning and should put all those lazy winemakers further north to shame. The 2006 is super – classic, even with a nose of violets and black cherries. The tannins are well rounded and balanced, the depth of fruit amazing. A great wine for sure and among the finest in the appellation. (JG)
358.00
Southern Rhone
2003 Chateauneuf-du-Pape 60% Greanache, 40% Mourvedre. The blend of the 2003 comes from two of the greatest lieu-dits in the appellation: La Crau and Valori. Aged in 2-4 year old wood the 2003 is quintessential Chateauneuf-du-Pape from these vineyards.
Clean, pronounced youthful aromas of rich, ripe, aromatic blackcurrant/ cherry, herbs, tobacco and spices. Wonderful depth and concentration. Medium acidity, medium-high ripe tannins, full bodied, youthful blackcurrant/ cherry with red cherry, herbs and spices on the middle. Very complex with a wild ‘sauvage’ character. A long finish which is currently masked by the tannins. (CG)
273.00
2003 Gigondas 'Valbelle' (per 3x150cl)
132.00
2004 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Intense and brimming with black currants and spice. More obvious structure that the 03 with a long and sweet persistent finish. There are few Chateauneufs who use this much Mourvedre and this wine shows what can be achieved. 8-15+ years (JG)
242.00
2004 Cotes du Ventoux 100% Grenache. Stunning nose, clean and deep with an intensity of rich, ripe, liquor like black/ redcurrant/ berries and herbs – Superb depth. Dry, soft acidity, low soft tannins. Very peppery with soft, juicy, delicately balanced black fruit and herbs. Med bodied, very long with the black pepper flavours lasting and black cherry notes in the after taste. (CG)
129.00
2004 Gigondas 'Valbelle' 80% Old Vine Grenache, 20% Syrah. A superb rich, juicy nose of red/ blackcurrant/ berry fruit, herbs, a touch of violets which develops into a coffee note over time. Dry, low acidity, low to medium tannins, full of red/ blackcurrant/ berry, sweet pepper, herbs, spices and a lovely sweet oak note on the middle. Stunning purity, a tad masked, yet still mouthfilling, concentrated and elegant. (CG)
242.00
2005 Cotes du Ventoux
130.00
2006 Cotes du Rhone Blanc
112.00
2006 Gigondas A beautiful entry level Gigondas, perhaps one of his best. Very fine and supple tannins envelop the soft juicy fruits. Very typical of this vintage – mouth-filling flavours with complexity and length. This cuvee I should thing will drink very well young but age for 10+ years. (JG)
170.00
2006 Gigondas 'Les Claux' No one really knows how old the vines from this vineyard are. Certainly well over 100 years. Opaque in colour with an exotic, floral bouquet. Amazingly fresh and exuberant with lovely acidity. The quality of fruit is fabulous. (JG)
263.00
2006 Gigondas 'Valbelle' In my opinion Louis benchmark luxury cuvee is the most structured of all his 2006s. It is an extremely complex wine with multiple levels of complexity. Well structured, even for a 2006, with the capacity for long ageing. This is a great wine and as usual patience will be required. (JG)
263.00
2007 Cotes du Rhone Blanc
120.00
2007 Cotes du Rhone Rouge
93.00
2007 Gigondas Rose Last year I pleaded with Louis to make a small volume of rose wines from his vineyards in Gigondas. He has and here it is! It is a delightful rose – only 100 cases made – light in colour with an elegant, rose petal nose. I love rose but it is frequently misunderstood. This limited release is a joy and will provide great summer sipping. (JG)
145.00
Except where indicated all wines are priced per case of 12x75cl exclusive of VAT and onward UK carriage.
Delivery charges (exclusive of VAT):-
1 case - £10.95
2-3 cases - £9.50
4 + cases - FREE
E&OE. All wines are available subject to remaining unsold.
For export and all customers requiring the facilities of a bond the majority of our wines are available without duty under bond.
Current duty rates per 12 x 75cl,
still wines £17.50
sparkling wines £22.40
fortified wines £23.32
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So if you're looking for a particular vintage to celebrate a special occasion, look no further. Vintage whisky, armagnac & cognac.
