A Pair of Northern Rhône Beauties
We met a Northern Rhône superstar a while ago who was on his way to the Nantucket Wine Festival. This bouncy man was none other than winemaker Francois Villard.
Francois is known as a Condrieu master who produces a miniscule amount of highly allocated bottlings. Robert Parker has called Villard one of the "stars" of the Northern Rhone.
We felt quite fortunate when Francois opened a handful of his precious wines for us to taste. One of the bottles was the tiny production 2010 Saint Joseph Mairlant Blanc, which has only now just been acknowledged by the press.
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Francois Villard visits our store
Francois Villard Saint Joseph Blanc Mairlant 2010
"Very vibrant, showing pineapple, anise and Cavaillon melon flavors mixed together, laced with salted butter and backed by lightly toasted brioche and chamomile notes on the vivacious finish. Drink now through 2015. 658 cases made." (Wine Spectator)
Wine Spectator: 92 points
$38.99/bottle or $374.30/12 pack case ($31.19/bottle) or just $31.19/bottle in a mixed case of wine.
We also tasted Francois Villard's 2009 Côte Rôtie Le Gallet Blanc. It's important to note the blanc in the name doesn't refer to the color of the wine!
Francois Villard Côte Rôtie Le Gallet Blanc 2009
"95% Syrah, 5% Viognier. Intense, pure dark fruit. Clean zesty cherry aroma and just a hint of vanilla. Like the St-Joseph, the first impression is light and elegant, though there's a more sustained intensity of pure fruit here and a fine mineral line. Tannins are almost powdery, they are so fine. Long and fresh. Easy to underestimate at this stage."
Jancis Robinson, Master of Wine: 17+ out of 20 points
$69.99/bottle or $335.95/6 pack case ($55.99/bottle) or just $55.99/bottle in a mixed case of wine. | 