Xavier Gerard: a Cote-Rotie producer to be on the lookout for.

WINE TALK
101

Funny that it was side-by-side with Voge, and you preferred it to the Xavier, the former being a wine that is generally more ripe and polished than what I want in Northern Rhone syrah. I have not had the 13, however. Have you had the 13 Xavier?

102

I told Xavier about this thread. He had no idea [wow.gif] neener

103

That is funny, given all of the above. That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if in general the 2015s are trending sullen and closed by now. The one 2015 I’ve had recently, the 2015 Domaine Gallet Cote-Rotie, was burly and off-balanced and didn’t improve that much with air, even on the next day.

I’ve not tried the '15 Xavier but I bought a few. I have liked other vintages. I’ll sit on my '15s for a while I suppose.

104

Late night post, so I was probably a little harsher than I would have been in the light of the new day. Will delete the amateurish comment - that’s not respectful to a winemaker who I am sure works hard to make a good product. Still, I was quite disappointed.

I didn’t find it sullen or shut down. I left the bottle with the host so I won’t be able to see multiday evolution. He liked it more than I did. I would not be surprised if it was better on day two.

105

Have not. But as a broad generalization I tend to think 2013 in N Rhône is more my style than 2015.

106

I agree 100%. I have a lot of both, but really prefer 2010 and 2013, and some 2011s, over 2015.

107

You and I have the same yak palate.

108

16 > 11,13,15

don’t @ me.

109

I am just starting to sample vintage 2016, and so far like what I’m seeing very very much. Much better cut and precision then vintage 2015.

110

My thoughts as well, I’m not a huge fan of 2015 in general. Higher ripeness and concentration just generally are not what I’m after. That said I cannot understand how Jean-Luc Jamet’s 2015 CR is only 12.5 % ABV.

111

I love 2016.

112

I suspect vintage had a lot to do with it. This was my first 2015 N. Rhone but it was ripe and glossy and a bit lactic (though others disagreed on the latter). I really didn’t like it and dumped it quickly.

113

From my small sample of 2016 northern Rhones, I like them quite a bit. At this stage, I prefer them over 2015s.

114
  • 2015 Xavier Gerard Côte-Rôtie - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (3/10/2019)
    Decanted 6 hrs. Certainly no sneaking this by as anything other than a 2015, the dead give way of the deep purpled hue, ripe berry nose, and lots of other stuff indicating a forward leaning vintage. The blackberry theme continues on the palate, suggestion of fresh pastries, and a subtle rocky underbelly. While this not the most expressive Syrah at present, the balance is there, and it should blossom in time. Light on its feet two. Impressive. (92 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

115

Jay, didn’t we also have the 15 Gerard at the Norther Rhone dinner at Batard in the fall?

116

We did, I brought it.

117

Only seeing this thread now, of course. Tagging it in case I ever run across any from this producer, thanks all.

118

Huh, I’ll try and find my notes. I don’t remember how I felt about it then. But I have to supposed it wasn’t that memorable :slight_smile:

119

I thought the nose was wonderful but the body was a bit more polished than I prefer. It definitely wasn’t as modern as you describe it at this recent dinner, which is why I’m a bit surprised.

120

Drank a 2013 Landonne of his on Friday and it was seriously good, albeit in a seriously young sort of way. So much material and so long. Blueberries and a touch of meat. Fine tannins. So good I decided to buy another 2 bottles :slight_smile: