I was fortunate enough to be sent some cask samples of the 2010s from Pierre Gaillard. He makes wine in a modern style, but avoids spoofiness and over-ripeness. In a vintage like 2010, which I’m beginning to think is the best in the region since 1999, his wines are pretty irresistable. These are all available from Bancroft Wines in the UK.
Pierre Gaillard Côte Rôtie Rose Pourpre 2010 Northern Rhône, France
(Cask sample) From a 0.8 hectare plot parcel of Côte Rozier, in an amphitheater facing south. Lovely vivid black cherry and plum fruit nose is meaty and spicy with some oak notes. The palate is fresh yet intense with notes of meat, spice, minerals and some firm grippy tannins. Complex and vivid. A stylish wine with lovely definition. 92–94/100 (Bancroft Wines)
Pierre Gaillard St Joseph Clos de Cuminaille 2010 Northern Rhône, France
(Cask sample) A 3 hectare plot first planted in 1981, on decomposed granite. Very fresh black cherry and white pepper nose is pure and linear with good freshness. The palate is bright, pure and peppery with lovely cherry and raspberry fruit. Ripe and smooth but with lovely edges, too. Grippy tannins on the finish. 92–94/100 (Bancroft Wines)
Pierre Gaillard Cornas 2010 Northern Rhône, France
(Cask sample) From a 1 hectare parcel of 70 year old vines, purchased in 2006. Granite soils. Fresh and smooth with clove, olive and meat edge to the sweet blackberry and black cherry fruit. Fresh, pure and vivid: a nice combination of sweet fruit and more savoury notes, showing nice peppery freshness. Super effort. 92–94/100 (Bancroft Wines)
Pierre Gaillard Asiaticus 2010 IGP IGP des Collines Rhodaniennes, Northern Rhône, France
(Cask sample) From a 1 hectare block facing south on the left side of the Rhône with schist soils. Fresh and supple with cherry and plum fruit and an appealing green, sappy edge. Fine, fruity and delicious with pure fruit and good acidity. 91–93/100 (Bancroft Wines)
Pierre Gaillard Côte Rôtie 2010 Northern Rhône, France
(Cask sample) Really elegant with fresh black cherry fruit and supple meat and pepper notes. Smooth textured and pure with no rough edges and silky tannins. A stylish, midweight Côte Rôtie with good acidity. 92–94/100 (Bancroft Wines)
I know some good graphic designers if he’s interested… not that we should judge by a label of course 😉
Are you kidding? These are the most wonderfully evocative labels – evocative, most importantly, of the wine contained behind them. I love what Gaillard is doing across the board – he totally gets it.
No Daniel, I’m not kidding. I guess you don’t sell wine for a living? Your vague nonsense about the label pertaining to what is in the bottle is absolute dog’s gonads. Whether or not Gaillard “gets it” or not, they’re shockingly badly presented wines and, if you were having to shift them, the presentation would matter considerably. Your interpretation of “evocative” must be in line with a Texas Chainsaw Massacre film?
No Daniel, I’m not kidding. I guess you don’t sell wine for a living? Your vague nonsense about the label pertaining to what is in the bottle is absolute rubbish. Whether or not Gaillard “gets it” or not, they’re shockingly badly presented wines and, if you were having to shift them, the presentation would matter considerably. Your interpretation of “evocative” must be in line with a Texas Chainsaw Massacre film?
Just bought some of the ’06 from the Wine Society. Didn’t consider the label at all.
Damien, sounds like you sell a lot of wines like, Skinny Girl, Cupcake, Kendall Jackson, etc. They have very nice, hip labels. I also work in the retail wine trade. My job is to educate the public and sell quality products regardless of appearance. Unless of course, people want something that looks good, but might not necessarily taste good. Hope you don’t pick your women that way