2012 Cote Rotie Le Gallet Blanc

Around 1% Viognier and 60% whole cluster fermentation. Fragrant and expressive, with a tight structure on the palate. Violets and just a twist of black pepper – with loads of juicy red cherry fruit. Savoury, dry, gastronomic palate. (RH)

The 2012 Cote Rotie Le Gallet Blanc (fermented with 60% whole cluster and aged in 50% new oak) offers a pretty, slightly wild bouquet of strawberry, underbrush, rose petal and cracked pepper to go with a medium-bodied, lightly textured profile on the palate. Beautifully pure, elegant and finesse-driven, it should drink well on release, yet evolve gracefully for 10-12 years. (Not yet released) Made by Francois Villard, with varying degrees of whole cluster fermentation, these wines shows the racier, focused and peppery side to Syrah. Bright acids, notable tannin and pure, clean flavors are the norm here. Given the high level of stem usage, the vast majority of these will benefit from short term cellaring. Importer: Elite Wine, Lorton, VA; Tel. (703) 339-8150

100% Syrah, 50% new oak. Aromatic, almost animal nose. Lovely pungent, polished black pepper flavours and very refined texture. Sinewy. Classic Côte Rôtie. Quite long and reverberant. (JR)