Pierre Gaillard got into the wine business at a very young age. His first vineyard was the Chardonnay vines he planted in his parents' garden. After working for both Guigal and Vidal Fleury, he struck out on his own and from his first vintage he was lauded by the media for his cuvée de St-Joseph, made solely from one vineyard parcel. Since then his vineyards have expanded, mainly in the Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu appellations. Pierre Gaillard is now reckoned as one of Northern Rhône's best vintners. From the importer: "This is the vineyard that Guigal wishes he owned. Just above 'La Landonne,' 'Côte Rozier' produces the most peppery, deep, refined 100% Syrah wines in the Côte Brune. A monumental mouth of blackberries and grilled plums mixes with sweet tar and candied orange rinds. Perfumes of dark chocolate-covered roses and pepper jump from the glass. Harmonious power, delicious concentration."