(94 - 97 points) Tasted from a new barrel, the 2018 Cote Rotie Rose Pourpre features mocha and plum notes. It's full-bodied, rich and velvety, with that weight offset by cool menthol notes, and the lengthy finish even seems refreshing as a result. I love the contrast in styles provided by Gaillard's two top bottlings of Côte Rôtie.- JC

Opaque ruby. Expansive blackberry, licorice, smoky bacon, vanilla and potpourri scents are complemented by a peppery overtone. Seamless and broad in the mouth, offering concentrated dark fruit preserve, olive, mocha and floral pastille flavors and a suave suggestion of exotic spices. Finishes on repeating spice and dark fruit notes, with slowly building tannins and strong tenacity. 50% new French oak. -- Josh Raynolds