Had this alongside a 2014 Cayuse, with an Easter leg of lamb (perfect match, by the way). I expected this to be overshadowed by the Cayuse, but it really wasn't. In fact, the two were strikingly similar. The nose and taste of both wines practically screamed SYRAH. Neither wine was nearly as funky as I might have expected. The Cayuse was slightly bigger and slightly richer, but this was no slouch in either department. Has years to go.
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Round 2 - not quite as charming. Quite nice, soft, elegant but maybe a little weak. There’s also a slight bitter savouriness on the back end. I decanted this one for longer than the last (about 3 hrs), maybe it’s better off a shorter decant. Although there may’ve been a bit of bottle fault, this was part of a batch which wasn’t stored brilliantly.
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Saint Cosme is famous for its estate vineyards in Gigondas but they are also a highly regarded negociant with long standing relationships throughout the Rhone, giving them access to fruit from some highly regarded lieu-dits. Their Cote Rotie is no exception and this was a killer expression of 2014, if you’re into that sort of thing like I am. This bottle was provided from my cellar and was purchased upon release. Opened and splash decanted just before service. No formal notes and holy whole cluster Batman! This was straight up bussin, with rotundone for dayz! A black pepper and olive bomb with all of the garrigue and purple flowers your heart could ask for and some blood and bacon for good measure. The tannins are well integrated and the fruit is just really well balanced with the structure at this point. The finish was long with a dance of fruit and earth on the palate that was hugely satisfying. Some might be turned off by the sanguine, feral funkiness this wine possesses but for me, it’s hugely charming. Drink now or over the next 5-10 years with ease. Would be great with a meal or on its own (as it was tonight).
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Maybe I just love Cote Rotie but I liked this a lot. Smokey blackcurrent and all the meatiness. Medium bodied, decent length. Secondary developments. We had this against a 2019 Cote Rotie (better vintage) but I preferred this.
Liquorice & blackberry seasoned with spice and black pepper. Vanilla, toast and menthol notes creep in too, It’s both fresh and savoury with a silky texture and soft tannins. The finish was long and the various constituents fully integrated. For a supposedly difficult vintage this was effortless and impressive. 91 pts
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3/31/2024 - Night Train Likes this wine: 93 Points
Had this alongside a 2014 Cayuse, with an Easter leg of lamb (perfect match, by the way). I expected this to be overshadowed by the Cayuse, but it really wasn't. In fact, the two were strikingly similar. The nose and taste of both wines practically screamed SYRAH. Neither wine was nearly as funky as I might have expected. The Cayuse was slightly bigger and slightly richer, but this was no slouch in either department. Has years to go.
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5/12/2023 - Cake & Fine Wine wrote: 89 Points
Round 2 - not quite as charming. Quite nice, soft, elegant but maybe a little weak. There’s also a slight bitter savouriness on the back end. I decanted this one for longer than the last (about 3 hrs), maybe it’s better off a shorter decant. Although there may’ve been a bit of bottle fault, this was part of a batch which wasn’t stored brilliantly.
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2/13/2023 - thesternowl wrote: 94 Points
Saint Cosme is famous for its estate vineyards in Gigondas but they are also a highly regarded negociant with long standing relationships throughout the Rhone, giving them access to fruit from some highly regarded lieu-dits. Their Cote Rotie is no exception and this was a killer expression of 2014, if you’re into that sort of thing like I am. This bottle was provided from my cellar and was purchased upon release. Opened and splash decanted just before service. No formal notes and holy whole cluster Batman! This was straight up bussin, with rotundone for dayz! A black pepper and olive bomb with all of the garrigue and purple flowers your heart could ask for and some blood and bacon for good measure. The tannins are well integrated and the fruit is just really well balanced with the structure at this point. The finish was long with a dance of fruit and earth on the palate that was hugely satisfying. Some might be turned off by the sanguine, feral funkiness this wine possesses but for me, it’s hugely charming. Drink now or over the next 5-10 years with ease. Would be great with a meal or on its own (as it was tonight).
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12/25/2022 - Cake & Fine Wine wrote: 92 Points
Maybe I just love Cote Rotie but I liked this a lot. Smokey blackcurrent and all the meatiness. Medium bodied, decent length. Secondary developments. We had this against a 2019 Cote Rotie (better vintage) but I preferred this.
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11/26/2022 - platpeeps Likes this wine: 91 Points
Liquorice & blackberry seasoned with spice and black pepper. Vanilla, toast and menthol notes creep in too, It’s both fresh and savoury with a silky texture and soft tannins. The finish was long and the various constituents fully integrated. For a supposedly difficult vintage this was effortless and impressive. 91 pts
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