I tasted from barrel a couple of parcels that will go into Gaillard's 2018 Cote Rotie. Both were medium to full-bodied, silky and elegant, with ripe tannins, silky mouthfeels and elegant red fruit. Promising stuff.

Gaillard's entry-level 2017 Cote Rotie features aromas of briary herbs, smoked meat and ripe cherries. It's medium-bodied, not overly concentrated, with attractive, silky tannins and a mouthwatering finish.

The inky-colored 2015 C?te R?tie includes 10% Viognier and offers a wild, feral style in its earth, peach pit, plum and old wood aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied and nicely textured on the palate, drink it over the coming decade or more.

Juicy, fresh and lively, with an old-school feel in its vibrant plum, spring flowers, olives and leafy herb aromas and flavors, the 2014 C?te R?tie (90/10 Syrah and Viognier) is medium-bodied, has bright acidity and a clean, enjoyable style. It should drink well through 2024.

I thought all three of the C?te R?tie barrel samples were outstanding. Leading off, the classic 2013 C?te R?tie incorporates a full 10% Viognier, and it shows, with lots of peach, violets and spring flower-like qualities blending nicely with sweet Syrah driven fruit. Medium-bodied, upfront and ready to go, it’s no light weight and has enough concentration to evolve nicely through 2023.