The 2018 Pierre Gaillard Cote Rotie Rose Pourpre is a Syrah wine originating from the prestigious Cote Rotie region in Northern Rhone, France. This red wine, bottled with a cork closure, has an alcohol content of 14.0%.
Pierre Gaillard, the producer, is known for crafting wines that capture the essence of the Northern Rhone terroir, and the 2018 vintage is no exception. The wine has received high praise from multiple esteemed reviewers, making it a standout in its category.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the 2018 Cote Rotie Rose Pourpre an impressive score of 97 points, describing the wine as "full-bodied, rich and velvety." The reviewer, JC, highlights the wine's "mocha and plum notes" and mentions that despite its richness, it features "cool menthol notes" that provide a refreshing contrast. JC appreciates the balance and complexity, stating, "I love the contrast in styles provided by Gaillard's two top bottlings of Côte Rôtie."
Vinous also reviewed this wine favorably, giving it a score of 93 points. Reviewer Josh Raynolds describes the wine as "opaque ruby" in color with "expansive blackberry, licorice, smoky bacon, vanilla, and potpourri scents." He notes a "peppery overtone" that adds an extra layer of complexity to the aroma. Raynolds praises the wine's concentration and seamless texture, remarking on its "concentrated dark fruit preserve, olive, mocha, and floral pastille flavors" with "a suave suggestion of exotic spices." He also highlights the wine's finish, which features "slowly building tannins and strong tenacity," and notes that the wine is aged in 50% new French oak.
In summary, the 2018 Pierre Gaillard Cote Rotie Rose Pourpre is a well-balanced, complex Syrah that has garnered excellent reviews for its rich flavor profile and harmonious structure. With notable scores from both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Vinous, this wine stands out as a noteworthy choice for those seeking a high-quality Northern Rhone Syrah.