Most profiles of Yves Gangloff describe him as the Accidental Winemaker.
While paying a visit to his brother, an artist who lived and worked in Condrieu, Yves Gangloff met Mathilde, fell in love with her and stayed.
Rhone Wines describes terroir of Cote Rotie as graced with 2 soil types, "very steep granitic terraces covered with a layer of sand-lime on the "Côte blonde" (pale slopes) and clay and iron oxide on "Côte brune" (brown slopes)."
As for La Barbarine, "the Barbarine cuvée comes from younger vines on granite-based soils in the Côte Blonde" according to producer notes by Berry Bros & Rudd.
The most recent tasting details I could find are on La Barbarine 2007 (by The Vine, its Japanese importer):
"This has richly perfumed aromas of cassis, pepper, date, earth, coffee and black fruit confit. The palate is elegant and refreshing with gently astringent tannins, thus good with food. It's long and complete."
It is 92% Syrah, 8 % Viognier. Only 650 cases were made. The wine was bottled in September 2009.
Wines by Domaine Yves et Mathidle Gangloff are known for their concentrated flavors and personality. The tiny size of the property (around 4 hectares) makes them sought after.
I have not had the pleasure to taste any Gangloff wines yet.
The artwork on the label caught my eye before I had a chance to find out that the wine is masterful.
(*Photo by Mei Hong, Thanks for introducing me to La Barbarine)