2010 Saint Cosme Cotes-du-Rhone

Dear Rene, How is this even possible? The rare 100% syrah 2009 Saint Cosme Cotes-du-Rhone was so good that theWine Spectator named it to their Top 100 Wines of the Year List (Ranked #88 on the 2010 List). It was only $18 per bottle and it earned an "outstanding" rating. It was even named a "Smart Buy" pick for their November buyers guide. Now the surprising part... The 2010 is even better-- Saint Cosme's famous winemaker, Louis Barruol himself said "it is purely my best Cotes du Rhone since 2007, without a doubt. The quality of the fruit is superb, the wine is profound, round, with a deep colour." We've tasted it twice and can confirm all this-- the 2010 is a thrilling, outstanding wine--noticably better than the 2009. This is great syrah from great vineyards crafted into wine by a great winemaker. And then it gets completely crazy... The 2009 was super successful and a top value at $18 per bottle. The 2010 is better and the dollar is weaker (since last June, a Euro has gone from $1.20 to $1.45). All these factors suggest the price should go up. But it didn't go up. In fact, at Arrowine it went down. Way down. Instead of $18 per bottle, you can get it for as little as $11.99 per bottle. $11.99 isn't just lower than the 2009, it's lower than the 1999 was! I repeat... how is this even possible? And be sure to take a look at what Perry is featuring in the Tuesday Boucher. Jim Cutts 2010 Saint Cosme Cotes-du-Rhone 2010 Saint Cosme Cotes-du-Rhone Reg. $15.99 Buy 6 bottles at $13.99 per bottle Buy 12 or more bottles at $11.99 each This impressive 100% syrah Cotes-du-Rhone is the work of one of the Rhone's most exciting winemaking superstar talents: Louis Barruol. Here's just a little of what's been said about Barruol (pictured below) and Saint Cosme: Robert Parker, whose Wine Advocate newsletter is considered the world's most influential wine journal, wrote: "If you have not yet tried the wines of St.-Cosme, you're missing the boat." He also wrote: "...there is no more passionate and talented proprietor than Louis Barruol." And also "The young Louis Barruol has quickly emerged as one of the southern Rhone's most talented young winemakers." Andrew Jefford's, author of "The New France" (which Parker called "Exceptional...a must buy and read." and "My book of the year...") wrote: "The ambitious and articulate Louis Barruol is one of the new stars of the southern Rhone - and of the northern Rhone too.... Grace, purity, and singing fruit are three of the Barruol hallmarks..." James Turnbull's "The Great Wines of France" says "So pure and authentic are Barruol's wines that Saint Cosme is destined to become one of the great names of the Southern Rhone... A magnificent triumph of old vines and non-interventionism!" Whether you are a serious Rhone wine collector or just someone who enjoys a good glass of red wine and doesn't want to pay too much, we know you'll enjoy this beauty. And our special email pricing makes getting some easy. Every year this is among the highest rated, and best, Cotes-du-Rhones. In 2010, Barruol crafted one of his finest Cotes-du-Rhones yet. Here's what he had to say about his 2010: "I only use the nicest sources to make this wine: the terroir of Vinsobres and the 'galets roulés' (rolling stones) by the Rhone river, very similar to the best places in Chateauneuf. We are talking about extraordinary quality potential. Watch out for 2010: this is purely my best Cotes du Rhone since 2007, without a doubt. The quality of the fruit is superb, the wine is profound, round with a deep colour. Its texture brings a lot of pleasure and anybody can understand and enjoy it.... I am simply very happy to be able to deal with such a vintage...Wonderful. Graphite, strawberry compote, licorice, lilacs." Though the quality and texture on the 2010 are notably better than the 2009, the style is similar. To give you an idea of the style, here is the review of the 2009 (the 2010 hasn't been reviewed yet): "A lovely floral violet aroma leads the way, followed by dark berry, tobacco and charcoal notes, with a dash of tarry grip on the finish. Pure and solid. 90 points. Smart Buy (at $18). Top 100 of 2010 (Rank: 88)." James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator, Nov. 15, 2010. To order please call 703.525.0990. We need your Visa or MasterCard information including expiration date. Wine arrives tomorrow, Wednesday May 11th. Thank you for reading. Jim Cutts