Looking at the current releases, the 2011 Cote Rotie Le Gallet Blanc delivers beautiful blackberry, plum pit, violets, mint and hints of pepper in its medium-bodied, firm and focused profile. I love the overall purity here, but it needs 2-3 years of bottle age to round into form, and will evolve gracefully for 12-15 years. Made by Francois Villard, with varying degrees of whole cluster fermentation, these wines shows the racier, focused and peppery side to Syrah. Bright acids, notable tannin and pure, clean flavors are the norm here. Given the high level of stem usage, the vast majority of these will benefit from short term cellaring. Importer: Elite Wine, Lorton, VA; Tel. (703) 339-8150