2015 Cote Rotie

Deep bright-rimmed ruby. Ripe black and blue fruit and floral scents, accompanied by olive and exotic spice and incense notes. Fleshy and concentrated yet lively as well, offering sweet, smoke-tinged cassis and blackberry flavors and a touch of candied violet. The spice and floral notes come back on a very long, penetrating finish framed by smooth, harmonious tannins.

In 2013, Xavier Gerard’s father – who used to be a part-time winemaker, grower and Crédit-Agricole employee – passed his vines to his son. Xavier spent the decade before that learning the trade at home, as well as travelling extensively, getting experience by working at other wineries. Now in his 30s, he is producing some great wines from his excellent parcels of fruit: Terroir du Mollard giving a mineral character, and those north of Ampuis giving a peppery character to the blend.

Cask sample. Tasted blind. Mid crimson. Low-key nose. Round and velvety on the palate. Already with massive fruit on the front palate and some fine tannins on the end. Nicely done. Texture is all! But there is considerable length too. (JR)