In an effort to try new “random” wines and to also purchase more wines in the $15 and under range, we picked up this 2004 Cotes du Rhone from E Guigal rather blindly off the shelf. The 2004 is a blend of 55% Syrah, 35% Mourvedre, 8% Grenache and 2% other (I wonder what the other could be???). E Guigal named for Etienne Guigal, is probably most famous for their Cote-Rotie than any of their other wines. This isn’t all they produce as they have won awards and high scoring reviews for almost all of their wines which span from the appellations of Cote-Rotie to Hermitage to Condrieu and St. Joseph. Run now by Etienne’s son Marcel, Guigal is a large operation that makes quite a bit of fine wine. The winery (Chateau) is located in the town of Ampuis in the heart of the Cote-Rotie appellation where almost all of their wines are produced, aged and stored. The 2004 Cotes du Rhone was aged at Chateau Ampuis for one and a half years in oak foudres (big casks). We purchased the wine for $12 (before our 10% discount) at the Wine Cellar.
My Tasting Notes
Nose – Tobacco, green pepper, lavender, vanilla extract
Taste – Black currant, raspberry, red bell pepper, leather
Mouthfeel- leathery tannins, and round full body
Finish – Very dry and firm, long in length
At $12 or a little less this wine is a great value, even if you had to pay a bit more for it. Mostly earthy notes on the nose with more of the fruit coming through on the palate made for a delightful sip. The tannins were still quite firm, and the fruit was quite present, so I definitely think the 2004 Cotes du Rhone would show really well with another year or so on its side. With the wines large distribution you shouldn’t have a hard time finding this everyday drinker.
Cheers!
Anything Wine 
Recent Comments