2005 E. Guigal Cotes Du Rhone

Medium body, crimson colour with crimson mauve hue. Perfumed nose of cherry, raspberry and liquorice. The palate delivers flavours of cherry, raspberry and spice, overlaid with a white pepper back palate. Fine dryish slightly chalky tannins. Long and very persistent aftertaste of raspberry, spice and white pepper.
Cellar 3-4 years (2011-2012)
Alc/Vol: 13%  

Other Reviews…
The Rhone Valley’s most successful producer continues to ratchet up the level of quality of his Cotes du Rhone cuvees, of which he produces hundreds of thousands of cases. Both Marcel Guigal and his son Philippe realize how important quality is and demonstrate that commitment in these lower level wines. They just get better and better. Guigal’s red Cotes du Rhones have become a staple of much everyday drinking, and I have enjoyed them when flying business class on United Airlines as well.  

A blend of 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache, the 2005 Cotes du Rhone is a real head turner. Full-bodied, with a deep ruby/purple color and sweet notes of berry fruit, a hint of road tar, and some pepper, the wine is dense, chewy, ripe, and a surprisingly big mouthful of juicy, velvety-textured wine to drink over the next 3-4 years.
89 points
Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate