Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 Les Deux Albion Blanc is largely Viognier and Marsanne, and the Viognier really shows on the nose with its honeyed citrus, flower, tangerine, and orange blossom-like aromatics. These carry to a medium-bodied, pure, layered, impressive white offering both richness and freshness. I suspect it will represent a terrific value and should have a year or two of solid drinkability.

Winemaker Notes

Les Deux Albions Blanc shows the salty minerality typical of limestone terroir with notes of dried apricots and white flowers.
Viognier aged in neutral barrels has a full body and rich texture with just-medium acidity. It is easily paired with dishes that feature creamy sauces, mild white fish, and roasted pork or chicken. Picpoul brings acidity to the blend and gives this wine salinity, making it a superb choice for cooked or raw shellfish.

Winery Notes

Chateau de Saint Cosme is the leading estate of Gigondas and produces the appellation’s benchmark wines. Wine has been produced on the site of Saint Cosme since Roman times, evident by the ancient Gallo-Roman vats carved into the limestone below the chateau. The property has been in the hands of Louis Barruol’s family since 1570. Henri and Claude Barruol took over in 1957 and gradually moved Saint Cosme away from the bulk wine business. Henri was one of the first in the region to work organically beginning in the 1970s. Louis Barruol took over from his father in 1992, making a dramatic shift to quality, adding a négociant arm to the business in 1997, and converting to biodynamics in 2010.