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.