Description
The 2006 Pierre Gaillard Côte-Rôtie is a wine from a producer well-regarded for crafting elegant, terroir-driven expressions of Côte-Rôtie. Pierre Gaillard’s winemaking emphasizes balance, finesse, and the classic complexity of Syrah from this prestigious Northern Rhône appellation.
Vintage Overview
2006 Rhône Vintage: A balanced year with warm weather that allowed for steady ripening. The vintage produced wines that are approachable earlier than more tannic years like 2005, but still possess aging potential. Wines from Côte-Rôtie in 2006 tend to showcase bright aromatics, polished tannins, and a harmonious structure.
Tasting Profile of 2006 Pierre Gaillard Côte-Rôtie
Appearance: Deep ruby with garnet highlights, showing subtle evolution in the glass.
Aromas: An expressive bouquet featuring ripe black fruits (blackberry, plum), floral notes of violet, and classic Côte-Rôtie savory characteristics such as smoked meat, black olive, and hints of pepper. Secondary aromas like leather, tobacco, and earthy minerality may be emerging.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with silky tannins and vibrant acidity. Expect flavors of dark cherry, cassis, licorice, and subtle spice, with a refined minerality and a lingering finish. The balance between fruit, savory elements, and structure reflects Pierre Gaillard's meticulous style.
Aging Potential: By 2025, this wine is likely at or near its peak, with well-integrated tannins and tertiary notes adding complexity to the ripe fruit. It should remain enjoyable for another 3–5 years, depending on cellaring conditions.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Meat Pairings: Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, duck breast with a cherry glaze, or slow-braised beef with root vegetables.
Vegetarian Pairings: Wild mushroom risotto, lentil stew with herbs, or roasted cauliflower with tahini.
Cheese Pairing: Aged Comté, Tomme de Savoie, or a creamy blue cheese like Roquefort.
Decanting: Decant for 1–2 hours to allow the wine to fully open and reveal its complexity.
Pierre Gaillard’s 2006 Côte-Rôtie is an excellent representation of the appellation’s balance between power and elegance, making it a fantastic choice for enjoying now or in the near future with a thoughtfully paired meal.
Condition
Slightly Bin soiled labels