
SAINT COSME Côtes-du-Rhône 2013
(Côtes-du-Rhône, France) $15
Côtes du Rhône can be a great weekend red: it’s delicious; it’s got personality; it’s a steal. Just one problem–there’s a sea of second-rate examples on the market. This, however, is not one of those. Syrah-dominated, Saint Cosme Côtes-du-Rhône 2013 is a vibrant, lip-smacking red wine, full of dark cherry, earth, and exotic spice flavors. (Think Chậteauneuf-du-Pape’s younger brother.) It needs a cold night and a warm stew. I still remember visiting the estate some years ago—the medieval farmhouse cellar (dating from the time of the Romans) possessed an aroma that was intoxicating on its own.