2021 Gigondas Hominis Fides

A fragrant rosewater, red cherry, raspberry, strawberry and black plum perfume introduces the 2021 Gigondas Hominis Fides. Delicate wood smoke and clove aromas add complexity. This full-bodied 2021 is a bold Gigondas, displaying remarkable intensity on the concentrated palate. It comes with an elevated but neatly integrated 15.5% alcohol, lingering with remarkable length on the stimulating finish. Patience will be rewarded.

The 2021 Gigondas Hominis Fides has a more savory edge in its red and black fruits as well as dried herbs, leather, and graphite notes, with plenty of background pepper and garrigue. It's medium-bodied, has fine tannins, a terrific sense of elegance, and a great finish. It's going to benefit from just a few years in the cellar and is clearly a beautiful wine in the vintage. Unquestionably one of the top estates in the Southern Rhône (not just Gigondas), Château de Saint Cosme is run by the incredibly talented and driven Louis Barruol. There are a number of smaller cuvées, all of which are impeccably made, but clearly, the focus is on the Gigondas releases, which are not destemmed and are brought up in larger barrels. The Classic Gigondas is always roughly 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre and Cinsault, and the three single vineyards are all 100% Grenache. Readers can expect to see the current Côtes Du Rhône whites (Hominis Fides Blanc and Le Poste Blanc) released under the Gigondas appellation starting in 2023.

Deep, vivid ruby-red. Intensely perfumed, mineral-tinged scents of medicinal cherry, redcurrant and cassis are complemented by suggestions of star anise, white pepper and pungent flowers. It offers densely packed bitter cherry, red berry liqueur, lavender and licorice flavors that open up very slowly with air. Extremely primary but highly promising, with a long, spice- and mineral-tinged finish shaped by youthfully firming tannins. Made with 100% whole clusters; raised in barriques, one-third of them new.