Gigondas is often thought of as a "poor man's" Chateauneuf du Pape and for a lot of reasons that is true. But, the best Gigondas producers are certainly on a par with many of the better Chateauneufs and Saint-Cosme is certainly one of the best Gigondas producers. At 12 years from vintage, this seems to be at about peak. 2006 was a very good if not remarkable vintage. Being caught between the classic 2005 and the ostentatious 2007, it got a bit over looked. Purple/ruby in color. The nose has cherries, spice, minerals, slight tobacco/dried leaves and dried cherries. On the palate, this has just a bit of tannins left. Cherry fruit layered with minerals and damp earth. Good balance. Lovely soft texture. Nice finish. Works well with food or even a good cigar! No hurry but its probably all downhill, albeit slowly, from here.
