I am a big fan of Perre Gaillard. His Condrieu 2006 was one of my favorite white wines from last year. In fact, I could put it on my list of top 5 whites (that is if I kept such a list). On that list, I would also include the McPrice Myers Viognier 2006 and Didier Dagueneau Pur Sang 2006.
Gaillard’s wines are consistently excellent and some of the greatest quality/value plays in the entire Rhône. 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. 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.
Le Secret Ivre is a joint effort between Pierre Gaillard and Kimberly Jones of the Shiverick/Jones import house. The 2007 release is 60% Viognier and 40% Rousanne. The majority of the viognier comes from Condrieu. Light golden yellow in color. Viognier infused aromatics of apricot, white peach and honeysuckle. More apricot on the palate — with asian pear, apple and a touch of pineapple, kiwi and lemon zest. A creamy textutre with good richness and acidity and a clean, solid finish. I thought this was a very nice bottle of wine, but it didn’t impress me as much as some of his other wines, but certainly worthy of a recommendation. 14% alcohol. 100 cases produced.
Other wines from Pierre Gaillard:
Pierre Gaillard Condrieu 2006
Gaillard Côtes du Rhône Les Gendrines 2006
Pierre Gaillard Saint-Joseph Clos de Cuminaille 2005
