2020 Chateau de Saint Cosme, Cotes du Rhone, Les Deux Albion 12x75cl

Here was yet another fortuitous meeting for Decorum. The genius that is Louis Barruol had set up a négociant business in 1997, buying in grapes to supplement the family holdings in Gigondas, thereby expanding his range considerably. Two years later, we come along, and are completely smitten. Still hooked.

Even before Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas, Louis Barruol’s ancestors were making wine in Gigondas (they started in 1490, to be exact). Indeed, there are Gallo-Roman fermentation vats in the cellar, still perfectly preserved, along with a chapel from the 12th century just up the hill – we are talking some proper history. Every visit here is nothing short of sensational: we’re not just in the presence of one of the Rhône’s greatest winemakers, but Louis is renowned throughout the whole of the world of wine, whether consumer, sommelier, journalist, or fellow vigneron.