2001 Gangloff Côte-Rôtie La Barbarine

(France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie)

Great bottle with both the lamb that my wife had, and my pork belly. I think this may have been the single greatest food and wine pairing I’ve ever experienced. The nose on this wine was incredible – graphite, blue stone, and iron. After I took a bite of food, I would reach for my glass, bring it to my lips, and pause for just a few moments to let the bouquet mix with the lingering flavor of the dish before taking a mouthful. I have never been so entranced by a nose.  The wine as a standalone was great, with tons of red fruit, flint, leather, and iron on the palate. The mouthfeel was lush and the finish was remarkably long. Really a fantastic bottle of wine, chosen by Emily Wines (@ewino on Twitter), Master Sommelier, Wine Spectator Grand Award Winner, and bottle-sabering sensei. Gangloff is a producer I will definitely be looking for in the future.

94 points.