Pierre Gaillard, Côte-Rôtie (Rhône Valley, France) 2021

 Domaine Pierre Gaillard is a relatively new producer in the Côte-Rôtie appellation.  The Gaillard is a blend of 90% Syrah co-fermented with 10% Viognier.  The Domaine was founded in 1986 with only 25 hectares of vines.  In the glass, the wine glows a dark ruby black and is tantalizingly perfumed with aromas of blackberries, kirsch, cocoa powder, black olives, and wet violets.  It is flavor-laden with abundant dark berry fruit, roasted meat, and smoke on the finish.  This is the quintessential expression of Côte Rôtie – it’s delicious, sleek, and finessed with lustrous texture.