2008 St Joseph Blanc, Domaine Pierre Gaillard

In a region where 80% of white wine is made from Marsanne, this 100% Roussanne Saint-Joseph wine, in its early days at least, raised a few eyebrows. Now it is viewed without suspicion, indeed is often seen as a template of an interesting and really well-made wine, just a little different from many whites these days, which are often overly-deferential to the Chardonnay grape. This is an aromatic treat with exotic fruit, pear and white pepper, and does not let-up on the palate, its rich texture harmonised by crisp acidity and underlined by a stony purity on the finish.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)