there was no leaf thinning in July during this notoriously hot summer

it needs another 5 years or so in the cellar

in fact it's almost delicate but the gorgeous balance and mid-palate concentration should ensure a very long life

dark fruit with top notes of tobacco leaf

Remarkably approachable for such a young wine

Gaillard, Cote Rotie Vintage:2016 there was no leaf thinningBought en primeur from The Wine Society. Discreet nose, somewhat coy in a closed phase? There's faint black pepper and restrained black cherry. The palate is a bit meatier, with very soft tannins and moderate but refreshing acidity. Length is okay, although it isn't as expressive as the appellation should be, arguably. A church mouse style, and less memorable than when I tasted it en primeur. A few days later, however, the rest of the bottle was