2016 Cote Rotie Esprit de Blonde
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Côte Rôtie Esprit De Blonde is even more floral (there’s 5% Viognier) and offers pretty raspberry and violet notes intermixed with exotic spice, potpourri and meaty, bacon fat notions. It has bright acidity and a lively, fresh style that’s going to benefit from short-term cellaring. Located in the northern part of Saint Joseph, this family-run estate has produced a bevy of high quality, noteworthy wines in both 2016 and 2015. Despite seeing plenty of new oak, I nevertheless find a very traditional style in the wines from Gaillard.
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Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
90% Syrah, 10% Viognier. Wow! What a stunning nose, with beef, liquorice, leather, black fruit, and menthol character. Absolutely sublime. Has a soft structure that could be enjoyed right now, but will doubtless become even more complex with time. One of the best Côte Rôties of the vintage. (RH)