E. Guigal Chateauneuf du Pape

This pope of the southern Côtes-du-Rhône seduces with its richness and round tannins.

Winemaker notes

Eye : Deep dark red.

Nose : Spices and mature red fruits.

Palate : Round tannins with powerful complexity. A rich unctuous wine with notes of mature plums, hazelnuts and red fruits.

Overall : Very rich wine full of harmony and balance.

2017

Wine Advocate 91: The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 5% other permitted varieties, all aged in foudres for three years. Boasting scents of dried spices, stone fruit and red raspberries, it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a rich, velvety feel and a dusting of tannins on the long finish.

James Suckling 92: The inaugural vintage of this wine, it has a very fresh, melon and sliced-pear nose with subtle, stony notes. The palate is smooth, sleek and fleshy with attractive peach flavors and a fresh,crisp feel to the gently nutty finish.

2018

Wine Advocate 89-91: The blend of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape was tweaked since I last tasted a sample, and it may be tweaked again before it's bottled, but what I tasted this time around delivered attractive floral and raspberry-scented aromas, a taut, tannic mouthfeel and a tart, racy finish.

James Suckling 92: Excellent harmony of full body, moderately dry tannins and richness. The red fruits are now beautifully developed and there's just a hint of tar. A grenache-based blend that was matured completely in large oak foudre casks.

2019

Wine Advocate 89-91: Guigal's 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape again appears to play second fiddle to the house's Gigondas. Attractive floral. spice and cherry notes appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate doesn't seem that rich or concentrated, and the finish is a bit chunky at this youthful stage.

James Suckling 94: Spicy and meaty with a very solid tannic base, this a serious Chateauneuf that has plenty of black fruit appeal, but also the muscular structure for long aging. Firm and focused finish with lots of energy and drive for this vintage. Drink or hold.