Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux 2017 (750ML)

98 JD / 97 WE / 95 WS / 95 DE / 94 WA

#73 Jeb Dunnuck’s Top 100 Wines of 2019

Just about perfection in a glass, the 2017 Gigondas Le Claux got a few expletives in my notes. Made from 100% Grenache from a loamy, limestone parcel that’s a stone’s throw from the estate, just outside the village, it boasts a deep purple color as well as stunning notes of kirsch, cassis, camphor, dried earth, ground pepper, and background oak. Deep, powerful, full-bodied and multi-dimensional on the palate, this blockbuster Gigondas is going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age (or more) and cruise for two decades in cool cellars. Jeb Dunnuck

Despite its massive body, this wine suggests a thrilling angularity throughout. Blackberry and raspberry flavors are unctuous but finely cut by shards of acidity and a vital mineral tone. Judicious veins of nut, smoke and vanilla integrate into a long, penetrating palate. The wine drinks well now but is likely to improve through 2037. - ALCI, Wine Enthusiast

This lets red currant, boysenberry and blackberry preserve flavors spill forth, backed by singed alder, savory, tobacco and warm earth accents that impart added range and detail through the lengthy finish. Impressive. Best from 2020 through 2032. 250 cases made. - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

The oak influence at this stage is still marked, with bright cinnamon and oak spice running through the ebullient, fresh berry fruits. Very smooth, melded tannins, all showing good harmony. Acidity is fairly piercing, with strong oak spice on the finish. Touch of demerara sugar. Soft, silky, very pure, spicy style. Saline finish. - Matt Walls, Decanter

The 2017 Gigondas le Claux features deep blue and black fruit on the nose. It's full-bodied in the mouth, with a generous, silky mouthfeel and an expansive, voluptuous finish that folds in hints of dark chocolate and salted licorice. All Grenache, from vines planted in the 19th century, it's a terrific Gigondas. JC – The Wine Advocate