Product Overview
The 2019 Saint Cosme Côte-Rôtie is produced from 100% Sérine, an ancient and local variety of Syrah that is markedly different from modern selections. It is more oval, with lots of space in the bunch, resulting in a very aromatic wine. It is sourced from the schist soils of Le Plomb, Besset, La Viallière, and Neve climats. These hillsides are among the steepest in France with an incline as much as 55 degrees. The wine is made with whole cluster fermentation from indigenous yeasts, aged for 12 months in 30% new 228-liter barrels, and bottled without fining or filtration. On the palate, it reveals a fresh attack followed by an ample, structured, long-lasting finish. The wine unfurls in successive stages and ends with top-quality tannins produced by whole cluster fermentation. It features aromas and flavors of smoked ham, violet, graphite, graphite, and licorice.
Varietal Composition: 100% Serine (ancient variety of Syrah)
Appellation: Côte-Rôtie AOP
Aging: 12 months in French oak, 30% new
Winemaker: Louis Barruol
(95-97) Points - Jeb Dunnuck
95 Points - Wine Advocate
"Big florals and raspberries mark the nose of Saint Cosme's 2019 Cote Rotie. Hints of stems show through, and this wine clearly would benefit from a few years in the cellar, but it is far from being unapproachable. Normally a blend of several lieux-dits, it sees about 30% new oak in its élevage, but the wood is scarcely noticeable. Medium to full-bodied, creamy and supple on the palate, with a long, fruit-infused finish, this should age gracefully for a decade or more." -JC, 5/13/21