2010 Gigondas Hominis Fides

Pure perfection, the 2010 Gigondas Hominis Fides (200 cases produced) boasts over-the-top richness, an extraordinary, room-filling bouquet of red, black and blue fruits intermixed with charcoal, subtle new oak, forest floor and spice box. With fabulous richness, a massive mouthfeel and a delicacy and subtlety that belie its heft, weight, richness, precision and delineated character, this remarkable Gigondas may be the finest wine I have ever tasted from this appellation. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades. Louis Barruol has been at the top of his game since the late 1990s, and over the last few vintages, he has been making some of the finest wines in the southern Rhone as well as France. The glories here are Barruol’s single vineyard/special cuvees of Gigondas, but consumers should not overlook the terrific value offered by his Cotes du Rhones. The wines are sold under two monikers, Chateau Saint-Cosme and simply Saint-Cosme (his negociant line-up). Barroul produces a small quantity of Chateauneuf du Pape that is usually about 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault and 10% Syrah. Importer: Country Vintners, Ashland, VA; tel. (804) 752-3670

Easily the most rich, powerful, and structured of the lineup, the 2010 Château de Saint-Cosme Gigondas Hominis Fides is one of the most impressive Gigondas I have ever tasted. Seeing the same blend and elevage as the other single vineyards offerings, it possesses a deep, masculine bouquet of black fruits, charcoal, mineral, saddle leather, and hints of flowers that lead to a massively built wine that has layers of fruit and texture, bright acidity, and enough tannin to put it firmly in the “fun to taste, but not to drink” category. Despite all of the tannin though, it has the most fruit and depth to its texture of the lineup, and is a decadent, mouth full of a wine. It is a monumental Gigondas anyway you look at it. Give bottles 5-8 years or so, and then enjoy over the following 20+ years..

Bright violet color. Explosively perfumed scents of red and dark berry liqueur, cola, licorice and potpourri, with notes of smoke and vanilla adding complexity. Stains the palate with intense black raspberry and violet pastille flavors, turning spicier with aeration. The seamless, juicy, extremely long finish displays outstanding intensity and sweetness.