“All of Pierre’s wines are a testament to the know-how of Gaillard and there is not a single weakness in the bunch.” La Revue du Vins de France 2007

Someone wrote that Pierre’s wines win hearts in the youth, but lack for nothing in terms of future potential. His winemaking approach seems to be rooted in the traditional, but also modern. His wines are consistently excellent and some of the greatest quality/value plays in the entire Rhône. Gaillard earned his top tier ranking through his hard work, talent and dedication.

Pierre Gaillard got into the wine business at a very young age. His first vineyard was the Chardonnay vines he planted in his parents’ garden. Later he worked at Guigal and Vidal Fleury. He was a force at Guigal in the 1980s, helping to create La Turque which became a benchmark vineyard in Cote Rotie. By 1981, he had saved enough money for his first parcel of land in the St Joseph region. The plot was called Clos de Cuminaille. The land had a 30 degree slope to it, but he was able to carve out some terraces so he could use a tractor.

St Joseph is part of the northern Rhône which is just to the south of Lyon. The northern Rhône includes such well-known appellations as Hermitage, Cote Rotie and Cornas. St Joseph covers about 50 kilometer and runs in a thin line along the west bank of the Rhône River. St Joseph reds are 100% Syrah.

Gaillard’s St. Joseph is dark ruby, garnet in color. Bursting with cherry liqueur on on the nose with some leather and meat — as well as a touch of violet and basil(?). Dark cherry, cranberry, cassis and pomegranate on the palate with a bit of toast. Medium bodied, but without a notch left in the belt. Lots of pure, juicy fruit — structured and defined with excellent length. I hope to be able to add a few bottles of Pierre’s wine to my collection with each and every vintage for the rest of my years, his wines are treasures. Recommended.

Related post:
Pierre Gaillard Condrieu 2006
Pierre Gaillard Le Secret Ivre 2007
Pierre Gaillard Côtes du Rhône Les Gendrines 2006