Domaine Pierre Gaillard Côte-Rôtie 2019

The Gaillard Côte-Rôtie is a blend of 90% Syrah co-fermented with 10% Viognier from the schist soils of Fongeant and Viallière (Ampuis) and a parcel of vines on gneiss at Semons in the south of the appellation. All the fruit was harvested by hand with a strict selection, ensuring only the finest bunches and berries made it into the final blend. Fruit was 100% de-stemmed and vinification involved a five-day, pre-fermentation soak and then regular punch-downs. The wine spent 18 months in barrique (50% new) and was bottled unfiltered.

Amongst others, John Livingstone-Learmonth has singled out Côte Rôtie as the star performer in 2019. Gaillard’s wines present credible evidence: here’s a seductive and layered Côte Rôtie with vibrant, market-fresh blackberry and red cherry woven with smoke and spice. Ferrous minerality and a swish of acidity bring balance and freshness to the finish. A keeper: those who hold for 10 years will have a very special bottle indeed.