2009 Roussanne, Vin de Pays, Domaine Pierre Gaillard

The main difference between this and Pierre’s St Joseph Blanc lies in the age of the vines (these are a little younger) and their location (these are further North, a little nearer to Condrieu, but outside the Appellation boundary of both Condrieu and St Joseph). Otherwise much is similar, including both fermentation and maturation in barrel. 

The wine is made with generous amounts of new and second-fill oak, its inherent ripeness and depth of flavour more than enough to match the barrel-influence.

The wine boasts honey, tropical fruit and hints of pear skin, then a palate which impresses with its generosity and layers of refinement. It has a graceful quality: Intense ripe fruit, complemented by honey, peach, apricot and blossom. Dangerously quaffable...

I really love the Roussanne Vin De Pays from Gaillard; it is as generous, ebullient and full of joie de vivre as M Gaillard himself.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)