Château de Saint-Cosme Gigondas les Claux 2006

A dark ruby red nearing purple in color. The nose, intoxicating, with blackberry and sour cherry mixed in a layer of bakeshop sweets. Digging deeper animal musk, spiced sausage and a bit charred wood with a hint of heat. On the palate this is smooth, thick and rich with raspberry jam and citrus rind that turns to sour berry and a bit of pepper. The tannins are a bit furry but coaxed along by a core of vibrant acidity which leads to a fresh mineral laden finish. A big wine with a healthy dose of elegance and grace. (My wife's notes: Berrylishus!)

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• Gigondas

August 2009

"Another wine that is backward and restrained but pure, rich, and impressive is the 2006 Gigondas Le Claux. Barruol thinks this is the most masculine and ruggedly constructed Gigondas in his portfolio. This wine (375 cases) comes from clay and limestone as opposed to the almost pure limestone of the 2006 Gigondas Le Poste. Less exuberant, more tannic, structured , and firm, the wine has terrific minerality, purity of fruit, and a structured, tannic feel. This is a big, big wine, and ruggedly built for the long haul. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025...92-95." WA 2/08

A Proprietary Blend wine from Rhone in France. 2006 Saint Cosme, Chateau de Gigondas Les Claux 750ml

May 2009

...Looking in the glass like it was poured from an inkwell... dark, brooding and daring, this Gigondas matches in the strength of its aromas: waves of violets, herbs, blueberry, and plum followed by a smoky minerality. Then onto the palate with big, contrasting flavors of gamey meats, black pepper, tea and black cherries. All combine to create a very complex package with a silky finish. This definitely will age well, but is very approachable now.

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• Gigondas

November 2009