2017 E. Guigal Gigondas, France, Rhone, Wine Review

This is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20 % Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre. In many ways, Gigondas has been thought of as Chateauneuf du Pape's little brother and for Guigal, that is an apt comparison. Drunk side by side, this seemed lighter and easier although similar. Purple in color, ruby at the rim, opaque and bright. The nose has black cherries and spice and a hint of anise. Medium bodied. Good acidity. On the palate, black cherries and cherry fruit with a bit of spice on the finish. Nice finish. This will work better with food that on its own. Cassoulet is a classic match. Drink over the next five years.

Grade:

A-

Score:

Vintage:

2017

Current Price:

$35.00USD

Rhone Valley & Spanish Rhone-style Wines Tasted at the 2008 Hospice du Rhone Events

The Rhone Report: About Rhone and Rhone-Style Wines and Winemakers is part of an ongoing series. Last month we reported on American Rhone-style wines we tasted at the 16th annual Hospice du Rhone events in Paso Robles, California from May 1 to 3, 2008. We noted that this event was an opportunity to consider Rhone-style wines from a fresh perspective because, unlike most tasting opportunities, these events included Rhone-style wines from the Rhone Valley itself (51 wineries), elsewhere in France (4 wineries) as well as from Spain (4 wineries), Australia (17 wineries), South Africa (6 wineries), Chile (2 wineries), Argentina (1 winery) and the United States. While this was a California-dominated event, and while many of the Rhone Valley’s best producers weren’t represented, there was still sufficient European and other entries to make for interesting comparisons and contrasts.

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2006 Château de Saint-Cosme Gigondas Valbelle, France, Rhone, Wine Review

Vintage:

2006

Score:

Grade:

Gigondas is often thought of as a "poor man's" Chateauneuf du Pape and for a lot of reasons that is true. But, the best Gigondas producers are certainly on a par with many of the better Chateauneufs and Saint-Cosme is certainly one of the best Gigondas producers. At 12 years from vintage, this seems to be at about peak. 2006 was a very good if not remarkable vintage. Being caught between the classic 2005 and the ostentatious 2007, it got a bit over looked. Purple/ruby in color. The nose has cherries, spice, minerals, slight tobacco/dried leaves and dried cherries. On the palate, this

2016 E. Guigal Gigondas, France, Rhone

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$30.00USD

Guigal makes a wide variety of wines in a wide price range. There are some great values in the lower price range. As the price for their Chateauneuf has risen, this wine has become a place to find some value. Purple in color, with a thin ruby rim. The nose is great with black raspberries, slight roasted herbs and meats with some spice and dust. Medium bodied. Nice texture. On the palate, black cherry fruit with underlying roasted meats and some spice. Nice energy. Long finish. This is drinking well now and should continue to drink well for ten to twelve more years. A nice drink o

2015 Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas Valbelle, France, Rhone, Wine Review

Vintage:

2015

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$75.00USD

Gigondas is often thought of as a "lesser" Chateauneuf du Pape. That can be good as in pricing or bad as in quality. This is neither. It is one of the best Gigondas produced and it is not inexpensive. That said, if you like CdP, you will love this. Purple in color with some ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is great with black raspberries, spices, slight floral, black cherries and earth. Full bodied. Good acidity. Light tannins. On the palate, this is complex and layered. Deep. Flavors of black raspberries, earth and char. Long finish. This is not yet at peak but

2017 E. Guigal Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, Rhone, Wine Review

Vintage:

2017

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$45.00USD

This is a blend of 70% old Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 5% other allowed grapes. Purple in color, ruby at the rim, opaque and bright. It was interesting to drink this side by side with the Gigondas. The CdP is a much bigger and more complex wine (and more expensive). The nose has black cherries, cherries, spice, smoke and black pepper. Medium to full bodied. Good balance. On the palate, this is delicious. Open and drinking well but with depth and complexity. Flavors of black cherries, plums and spice with light tannins. This is drinking well on its own and will work well wi

2017 E. Guigal Gigondas, France, Rhone, Wine Review

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