Pierre Gaillard worked at Guigal before going out on his own. He released two wines his first vintage: one Syrah from St.-Joseph and one Viognier. His epic 1999 Côte-Rôtie wines drew international acclaim for their power, aromatics and length. Today, Gaillard is considered by many to be one of the most capable craftsmen in the Northern Rhône and is also considered a master of Syrah, Viognier and Roussanne.

This is Gaillard’s “baby Condrieu,” a single-vineyard bottling of 100% Viognier from a plot that sits just outside both St.-Joseph and Condrieu. Gaillard singled out this vineyard for its eastern exposition, as its wind-facing slopes are kept clean and cool by the region’s dry winds.

Light golden straw in color. Slighty subdued nose, with soft notes of honeydew, orange blossom, honeysuckle, cut grass and lemon butter. On the palate, peach and nectarine with hints of guava, pineapple and apple butter. Loaded with minerality, great complexity and depth, nicely concentrated but elegant and supple with excellent balance. I have been drinking a lot of Viogniers recently and this would be on my list of favorites. Not as rich or creamy as the Melville or the McPrice Myers, but more complex, seductive and with a bit of mystique. Though not as good as the Pierre Gaillard Condrieu 2006, it is still a very good bottle of wine.

Other recommended Viogniers:
Pierre Gaillard Condrieu 2006
Melville Estate Verna’s Viognier 2007
McPrice Myers Viognier Larner Vineyard 2006