Fans of Louis Barruol’s reference point Gigondas estate, St Cosme, will be in raptures to hear after a long hiatus the wines are back in New Zealand.The estate’s existence was documented in 1416 with the Barruol family taking possession in 1570. Louis is the 15th generation to make wine here, considered by many to be the appellation benchmark - he is adamant Gigondas should not be compared with Chateauneuf.“The Geology here is very special. This is where you get the largest amount of limestone in the southern Rhone. Gigondas is a kind of eldorado for Grenache - there is expression, character, balance and freshness.”Along with the arrival of St Cosme comes Louis Barruol’s latest project Château de Rouanne in Vinsobres. Purchased in 2019, already Barruol’s touch can be seen, very exciting wines.