CHATEAU DE ST COSME Gigondas Le Claux

WA: 96

Aromas of peony, pepper, violet and dark wild berries preface the 2018 Gigondas le Claux, a full-bodied, dense and tannic wine with velvety tannins, a multidimensional core of fruit, fleshy texture and a long, spicy and delicately peppery finish that exhales the controlled power. It has all the components in place for a long and lovely life in a bottle. Kudos!

WS: 95

Quite ripe, with waves of warmed plum sauce and blackberry preserves rolling through, wrapped liberally with licorice root, sage and lavender notes. Iron minerality runs through the finish, letting the fruit and savory notes meld wonderfully. Built for the cellar. Best from 2022 through 2035. 250 cases made, 80 cases imported.

WS: 97

This is packed together, with taut iron cables providing a platform for mouthwatering bitter plum, cassis and blackberry reduction flavors. Sage, bay tobacco and warm earth notes play equally important roles, adding superior range and depth. Everything pulls together through the finish, though the end point takes some time to reach. Best from 2025 through 2040. 250 cases made, 105 cases imported.