JEANNE GAILLARD LA RELEVE SAINT JOSEPH 2021 750ml

ABOUT THE WINE

Famille Pierre Gaillard is a celebrated winemaking dynasty rooted in the sun-drenched hills of France's Northern Rhône Valley. Founded in 1981 by Pierre Gaillard—a passionate viticulturist trained in Beaune and Montpellier—the family estate began humbly in Malleval. Pierre, alongside his wife Pascale, cleared rocky terrains and planted their inaugural vines at Clos de Cuminaille in the Saint-Joseph appellation, reviving ancient Roman-era sites by hand. Today, spanning over 77 hectares across Saint-Joseph, Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Crozes-Hermitage, and extensions into Faugères and Banyuls, the domaine embodies schist-rich terroirs that yield elegant, complex wines. Pierre's children—Jeanne, Pierre-Antoine, and Elise—now co-steer the venture, upholding sustainable practices and a finesse-driven philosophy. Their Syrahs burst with violet, pepper, and mineral depth, while Viogniers offer floral opulence. Hailed by critics for purity and balance, Famille Pierre Gaillard wines capture the Rhône's wild, timeless spirit.
From the steep, granite-strewn slopes of Saint Joseph in France's northern Rhône Valley, Jeanne Gaillard's La Relève 2021 is a pure Syrah triumph, honoring her family's winemaking legacy. Launched in 2008 by Pierre Gaillard's dynamic daughter at just 24, her 5-hectare domaine emphasizes sustainable viticulture on 40-year-old vines. The 2021 vintage, shaped by a cool, wet spring and sunny harvest, produced concentrated yet elegant berries, hand-picked for optimal ripeness. Aged 12 months in French oak (20% new), this 13.5% ABV red achieves seamless balance through gentle extraction. Meaning "the relay," it passes the torch of Rhône excellence, reflecting Jeanne's passionate, terroir-focused craft..

TASTING NOTE:

La Relève 2021 greets with a perfumed bouquet of black raspberry, violet, and cracked white pepper, woven with smoky olive tapenade and hints of graphite. Subtle vanilla oak adds warmth without overpowering. Medium-plus bodied on the palate, it delivers plush waves of dark plum and blueberry compote, framed by refined, velvety tannins and zesty acidity for lively tension. Earthy terroir shines through with black truffle and iron minerality, evolving into a spiced crescendo of clove and espresso. The finish is persistent and juicy, echoing brambly fruit and savory herbs. Versatile with braised beef, wild game, or mushroom risotto.