2020 Condrieu, St Cosme, Rhone, France
OVERVIEW
From a small production of just 3,200 bottles, St Cosme's Condrieu is one of the most sought after Viogniers in the Northern Rhone. Aged in neutral barrels, the grape is left to express itself and its terroir resulting in one of the most pure Viogniers we've ever had the pleasure to try. A delightful wine drinking well today and for the rest of the decade.
CRITIC SCORES
Swirls of fresh white peach and melon juxtapose toasted notes of biscotti and charred vanilla bean in this lavish Viognier. It’s an opulent dry white with a satisfying heft on the palate, edged by swathes of mint and a perfumed, blossomy finish. Stunning young, the wine should gain savory depth from 2030. 95 Points. Wine Enthusiast
Alluring, with creamed yellow apple, mirabelle plum and white peach flavors carried by a caressing hint of elderflower and lemon curd through the finish, where a late flash of white ginger peeks in. 94 Points. James Suckling
I’m always able to taste Louis’s Northern Rhône release as well. His 2020 Condrieu is medium to full-bodied, pure, and balanced, with that unique Condrieu ability to blend richness and freshness. Some classic tangerine, white flowers, and honeysuckle notes define the nose, and it’s beautifully done. Drink it over the coming 4-6 years. 93 Points. Jeb Dunnock
FOOD PAIRING INSPIRATION
This Viognier, thanks to retained acidity, will work well with a rage of dishes from chicken to salmon but also spicier Thai dishes, even a mild curry, a real foodies' wine.
VINTAGE AND WINEMAKING
2020 was beset with heat and drought throughout Europe, plus a pandemic! However, the wines of Condrieu faired well and wines made from typically lower acid varieties like Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne saw enhanced perfume, vibrancy, texture and freshness.
Harvested in mid-September from Viognier vines at 660 feet above sea level and on granite and sand soils, this 100% Viognier sees barrel ageing although the characteristics of the barrel are fairly inert. The wine is aged for 8 months before bottling. The wines are fined with a vegan agent.
PRODUCER NOTES
Chateau de Saint Cosme is the leading estate of Gigondas and produces the appellation’s benchmark wines. Wine has been produced on the site of Saint Cosme since Roman times, evident by the ancient Gallo-Roman vats carved into the limestone below the chateau. The property has been in the hands of Louis Barruol’s family since 1570. Henri and Claude Barruol took over in 1957 and gradually moved Saint Cosme away from the bulk wine business. Henri was one of the first in the region to work organically beginning in the 1970s. Louis Barruol took over from his father in 1992, making a dramatic shift to quality, adding a négociant arm to the business in 1997, and converting to biodynamics in 2010.
NEED ADVICE? ASK A SOMM LIVE
Any questions about this wine? Creating a wine list for a function or planning a special meal or gift? Use the chat facility to speak live to one of our in-house sommeliers who can assist in your wine selection.
SERVICE AND STORAGE TIPS
This Viognier is delicious today but will improve through 2030.
This wine should be served between 9-12°C and stored at 12°C.
DELIVERY INFORMATION
Delivery is free when you spend over £150. For orders under this amount then a £9.99 delivery charge will be applied.
We use a tracked UPS delivery service who provide text and email tracking updates.
Every bottle sold by CoolerSomm is subject to our quality guarantee. If a wine is corked or faulty, we will replace it.
2020 Condrieu, St Cosme, Rhone, France
| Wine Card | |
| Wine Producer | Saint Cosme |
| Wine Region | Rhone |
| Wine Classification | Condrieu AOC |
| Wine Type | White |
| Grape Variety | Viognier |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Vintage Quality | Outstanding |
| Maturity | Drink Now |
| Body | Mid-Full Bodied |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Alcohol % | 14% |
| Bottle Type | Burgundy 75cl |
| Serving Temperature | 9-12°C |
| Food Pairing | Chicken, Salmon, Thai |
| Awards | 95 Points - Wine Enthusiast |
| 94 Points - Wine Spectator | |
| 93 Points - Jeb Dunnock |
Payment & Security
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.