Out of barrel, Gaillard's 2018 Cote Rotie Esprit de Blonde is full-bodied and sturdy yet silky and elegant, with ripe black cherries (in contrast to the red fruit in the 2017). It seems more concentrated and should be a bit longer-lived than the 2017.

From old vines in the lieu-dit of le Mollard and incorporating 10% Viognier, Gaillard's 2017 Cote Rotie Esprit de Blonde is cedary but delicate, with an elegant, silky frame supporting cherry, red currant and tea nuances. It's medium to full-bodied, with a lingering, fruit-filled finish.

The wonderfully fruity, rounded and medium to full-bodied 2015 C?te R?tie Esprit de Blonde offers terrific notes of plums, blueberries, peach pit and flowers. Made from 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier, all from the steep Le Mollard lieu-dit, it will drink well for 10-15 years.