2016 Côte-Rôtie Esprit de Blonde, Pierre Gaillard

90% Syrah with 10% Viognier, from vines located exclusively in Côte Rôtie’s southern, granite-schist Côte Blonde, aromas are incredibly intense and multi-layered: violets, black cherries, fresh mint, grilled bacon. Palate is gorgeous: full, deep, richly concentrated and beautifully fine. There is a line of freshness here too, the finish being long, linear and with charming, suave tannins (for drinking 2024-2032+).