Gaillard Cote-Rotie Rose Pourpre 2004

Pierre Gaillard’s 2004 Rose Pourpre is strong, refined and worth ageing. Derived from the parcel of Côte Rozier on the slopes of Ampuis from a gifted parcel just below the justly famous La Landonne vineyard whose wines retail between $400 and $500 a bottle, this south facing amphitheater is comprised of the same brown schist, rich in iron oxide and remains one of the warmest parts of Côte Rôtie. This plot, measuring less than two acres, turns out exhilarating Syrah wines with extremely peppery noses balanced by the sweet and sour tension of plums and roasted meats. Given ten years to come into its own and mature into a great wine, the 2004 Rose Pourpre embodies this to be sure but now also bears tertiary notes of lofty pine resin and heady roses in bloom –all grounded by a meaty bouillon bottom –there is nothing like an aged Syrah that is still fresh despite all these savory, dry roasted mushroom depths. This is a fragrant wonder just opening into a glorious and graceful stride.
Wine review by Nicholas Livingston, November 21st, 2014 (Nether Day)

Food Pairings

This is a preternatural match to high hung pheasant, partridge, hare, or rare venison back strap...