Francois Villard Cote Rotie 'Le Gallet Blanc'

Francois Villard was not born into wine; he started out his career as a chef. He grew up between Vienne and Grenoble, in the French countryside. He made his first Condrieu in 1991, a whopping 400 bottles. Today, makes wine from 64 hectares, of which he owns 40 hectares, purchasing fruit from the balance. He makes wine from Côte-Rôtie down to Saint Peray, and a little of everything between: four Condrieu, five Saint-Joseph (red and white), three Crozes-Hermitage, a Cornas, and four Vin de France (Marsanne-Roussanne, Viognier, and two Syrah).

'Inky ruby. Powerful black raspberry, boysenberry and exotic spice qualities on the highly perfumed nose, along with expanding floral and mineral notes. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, offering red and blue fruit liqueur, candied violet and licorice flavors that turn sweeter on the back half. Finishes impressively long and smooth, with rounded tannins framing lingering dark berry and floral notes. 90% whole clusters and 50% new oak.' - Vinous Media - 95 points