2008 Cotes du Rhone

With respect to Barruol’s negociant line of wines, called Saint-Cosme, the very good 2008 Cotes du Rhone is primarily Syrah, much of it coming from such cool areas as Vinsobres. Attractive notes of creosote, blackberries, black currants, licorice, and truffles are followed by a medium-bodied, admirably textured wine with excellent fruit and definition. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. When I first met Louis Barruol a number of years ago, it was apparent that he had no shortage of competence, passion, or talent, so it is extremely satisfying to write the following reviews, which confirm the young Barruol as one of the superstars of the Rhone Valley. Even his work with what are considered to be “minor” wines from the Cotes du Rhone and his non-vintage solera system Little James is nothing short of exceptional. He has also performed well above expectations in the more challenging vintage of 2008, generally a disappointing year in Gigondas, but not in these cellars. Barruol’s two cuvees of 2008 white wines are not to be missed (2008 is a much better vintage for white grapes than it was for reds). Barruol was not discouraged from making his four cuvees of Gigondas in 2008. As he said, it was a question of picking very late, doing a severe culling in the vineyard, and later, another triage once the grapes came into the winery. His success is evident with the following four wines, all sold under the Chateau Saint-Cosme label. While Barruol decided not to make a Valbelle in 2008, three single vineyard offerings were produced. Louis Barruol and I agree that his finest wines to date are his five cuvees of 2007 Gigondas. Importers: Vintage ‘59, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 966-9218 and Stacole Fine Wines, 1003 Clint Moore Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33487 ph: 561-998-0029, fax: 561-998-0025