Château de Saint Cosme IGP Vaucluse “Les Deux Albion” Blanc 2019

Grown on land owned by the Barruol family, the 2019 IGP Principauté d’Orange Les Deux Albions Blanc is labeled Domaine de Saint Cosme rather than with the “Chateau” moniker. A blend of 40% Viognier, 30% Picpoul and 20% Marsanne, with trace amounts of Bourboulenc, Clairette, and Ugni Blanc, it delivers some of Viognier’s floral, apricot-driven opulence, balanced by the restrained fruit of the other varieties and enriched by barrel fermentation and sur-lie aging. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is plump and round in the mouth, harmonious and fleshy, with a broad, spicy finish. Drink it over the next couple of years. – Joe Czerwinski