Saint Cosme – Cote Rotie

100% Serine (ancient variety of Syrah). Whole cluster fermentation. Schist in the Le Plomb, Besset, la Viaillère and Neve named vineyards. Twelve months’ ageing: 30% in new casks – 70% in casks used for one wine. Down through the years, I have tasted a broad selection of the many marvels the Rhone can offer, and I often wonder if this schist area in northern Côte-Rôtie (localities such as Viaillere, Grandes Places, Neve and Plomb) isn’t the greatest vineyard site in the Rhone valley. Because a top wine by Marius Gentaz or Albert Dervieux can go the distance with any superlative Rhone wine... I have always had a profound love for this location, which has the ability to produce everything you would expect of a consummate wine: character, site-expressiveness, aromatic complexity, texture on the palate and balance. And ultimately - drinkability, pleasure, emotion and the chance to share. 2018 is a great vintage in the northern Rhone – I have no hesitation in saying so. The Côte-Rôtie this year displays superb density and depth, yet never loses its tell-tale “ethereal” character. More than ever, whole cluster fermentation defined the vintage style. Ripeness was perfect in 2018 – admittedly challenging vintages have all but disappeared in the northern Rhone. Enjoy this 2018 with beef and truffles. Smoked ham, violets, graphite, cold ashes, liquorice. Bottled unfiltered