E. Guigal : Côtes du Rhône 2021

Floral and bright, with ripe cantaloupe, honeysuckle and nectarine flavors that are succulent and generous. Reveals chamomile and salted almond notes that add intrigue on the tasty finish. Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Grenache Blanc. Drink now. 40,000 cases made, 10,000 cases imported.

One year of additional aging since I last tasted the 2021 Côtes du Rhône has benefitted it, adding more substance and refinement. Delicate raspberry, leafy subtleties, ivy and spicy nuances of moderate intensity come alive in the glass. Touching the palate with solid flavor concentration and balancing freshness, the 2021 can be enjoyed straight away.

The base Côtes du Rhône from Guigal has to be one of the greatest wines at the price point and volume produced. The 2021 Côtes du Rhône Blanc offers lots of Viognier character in its apricot, flowers, ripe citrus, and dried herb-like aromatics. Medium-bodied on the palate, it’s fresh, focused, and one heck of a high-quality white to enjoy over the coming year or three.

Good white fruit expression, fleshy, round and crisp, consistently impeccable. A style clearly marked by Viognier in its fruit aromas, yet endowed with good freshness.