2016 Cote Rotie
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Tasting notes
Bought en primeur from The Wine Society. Discreet nose, somewhat coy – in a closed phase? There's faint black pepper and restrained black cherry. The palate is a bit meatier, with very soft tannins and moderate but refreshing acidity. Length is okay, although it isn't as expressive as the appellation should be, arguably. A church-mouse style, and less memorable than when I tasted it en primeur. A few days later, however, the rest of the bottle was showing much more promising complexity. Patience needed! (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Brilliant violet. Smoke-accented aromas of fresh dark berries and pungent flowers. Smooth and spicy on the palate, offering bitter cherry, cassis and bitter chocolate flavors that show very good depth and building sweetness. Chewy tannins frame the mineral-tinged finish, which lingers with strong, blue-fruit-driven persistence.
The 2016 Côte Rôtie is another potentially outstanding barrel sample. Spice, flowers, bacon fat, and classic raspberry fruit notes flow to a medium-bodied, fresh, nicely balanced 2016 that has loads to love. A blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Viognier aged 30% new oak, it’s going to drink nicely right out of the gate. Located in the northern part of Saint Joseph, this family-run estate has produced a bevy of high quality, noteworthy wines in both 2016 and 2015. Despite seeing plenty of new oak, I nevertheless find a very traditional style in the wines from Gaillard.
90% Syrah, 10% Viognier. Violet perfume, ripe blackberry and vanilla spice. Loads of elegance and poise, and the Viognier gives delicious lift and scent. Intense fruit concentration on the finish. (RH)