I loved Villard's 2017 Cotes Rotie le Gallet Blanc, which he blends from several lieux-dits toward the northern end of the appellation. Notes of mocha, herb, pepper and plum combine explosively on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied and intense without being overly weighty. Creamy-textured, rich and layered, this finishes with impressive persistence and grip for a wine that's so approachable now.

Villard's 2016 Cotes Rotie le Gallet Blanc features plummy fruit and roasted meat, swirled together in a medium to full-bodied wine that's already quite drinkable. Lush and creamy in texture, it picks up some brighter berry notes on the long, layered finish.