Now in your local branch is a small parcel of two fabulous and great value wines from cult Rhone producer Saint Cosme: their quite superior Cotes du Rhone 2008, which punches far above its weight, and the wonderful old vine Grenache blend 'Les Deux Albion' 2008. Both are available to purchase by the bottle in store, or for internet clients, can be arranged for delivery by the case with 10% discount.

Saint Cosme, located north of the village of Gigondas in the Southern Rhone, is the most ancient estate in the region, with the present property built on the former site of a Gallo-Roman villa, which itself is believed to have had a small vineyard. The current owner, Louis Barruol, took over the 15 hectare estate from his father in 1992 and is the heir to a fourteen-generation family tradition at the Chateau.

The Wines:

Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone 2008 £129.49 per 12 inc. discount (£10.79 per bottle - usually £11.99 each)
Unusually for a Cotes du Rhone, the Saint Cosme is vinified from 100% Syrah (instead of the usual hotch-potch blend) and this gives the wine a distinctly superior character, with much more colour, richness and body than one would typically expect. Ripe plums, spices and pepper on the nose lead to a succulent, meaty/wild herb palate, which cries out to be partnered with venison steak. Drink: now - 2014

Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone 'Les Deux Albion' 2008 £172.69 per 12 inc. discount (£14.39 per bottle - usually £15.99 each)
The "Chateau de" Saint Cosme signifies that this wine is vinified entirely from estate-grown fruit, following Louis Barruol's purchase of three hectares of very old Grenache vines, which were added to the Syrah/Mourvedre blend from the 2007 vintage. These old vines give an intensity of fruit found nowhere else in the Cotes du Rhone appellation and, with structure, spice and meatiness from the other grapes, surprising cellar potential. Drink: 2012 - 2018