Chateau Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Rouge

Louis Barruol of Saint Cosme is one of the iconic producers of the Southern Rhone, and his Cotes du Rhone is always a ton of wine for the money. It's also quite unique, as it doesn't contain a drop of Grenache -- it's 100% Syrah, and it's 100% delicious. 'There's a pure core of fresh blackberry, crunchy plum and violet in this vibrant version, with the subtlest brushing of vanilla. Layers of graphite and fine-grained tannins provide a solid framework. Compact, with savory details emerging toward the solid, medium-bodied finish, which is grounded in salty mineral notes and a waft of alder smoke.' - Wine Spectator