March 20, 2024 - Amazingly vibrant and fresh for such a big wine, developing some delicious dark cherry flavours given further interest by some pleasing tannins. Warming and spicy this developed a velvety mouthfeel. Profound and complex the finish was lingering. At 14 years old this is still showing very well. CHP 92 pts
March 2, 2024 - PnD. Let air for 1hr.
Inconsistent with previous note. It was in a dumb phase.
Elegant balanced complex with intensity and finish. Fruit mineral and tertiary notes. In the Zone Drink Up.
February 2, 2024 - Made in a modern style, not at all rustic. This is still very fruit driven and not showing much secondary flavors. I have to say that I do not agree with those who believe this it is at its peak. Good but still has a way to go.
December 1, 2023 - Drinking well but probably will not improve further
November 6, 2023 - On opening I was a little worried as it was quite rusty and jagged in taste but that disappeared after a while (and certainly with food), revealing a delicious, savoury, mature wine with leather and fruitcake and liquorice and general warmth. A favourite.
September 21, 2023 - Savoury, with ripe dark cherry fruit the tannins were beautifully mellow. Fully mature, and dare I say at its peak, it developed mocha and rich dark chocolate lingering beautifully on the finish. As to be expected for a heavyweight, it was warm and spicy but the balance was such that the alcohol was kept well under lock and key. Absolutely delicious and a great ambassador for this appellation. CHP 93pts
July 23, 2023 - Don’t know if this was an off bottle but it felt like this was probably better a few years ago than it is now. I thought it was passed it’s peak. Drink up if you have any left.
July 12, 2023 - After a decant. Nose of smoke, plum, prune, licorice, spices. Rich palate with good structure, a bit more heat and richness that I prefer, but then again we are in Southern Rhone. Early drinking window. 94+
July 1, 2023 - 11th bottle of a case and probably the best yet. Height of drinking window with emergent tertiary flavors along with still big fruit. Just gorgeous. Slight effervescence in this bottle, but not enough to distract.
May 1, 2023 - This wine is in a great, matured phase at the moment. The tannins have resolved, but there is still enough fruit to make the mouthfeel fleshy and pleasant. All the components have integrated, contributing to a broad, calm and stylish impression. The wine is displaying beautiful notes of earth, smoke, ripe dark berries and fruits. Don't store this anymore, this is on its peak now.
Tasted at a private "Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas vertical tasting" with friends, along with vintages 2016, 2015 and 2012, first on its own and then with food.