2017 Guigal Cotes du Rhone

A joy to drink, this is a model of consistency year in year out and one of Cotes du Rhones best buys.

A blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre aged for 18 months in oak foudres. Very deep black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Rising from the glass is a mix of black cherry and liquorice aromatics which are followed by scorched earth, subtle herb du Provence and peppered dried meat notes. Both opulent and chewy in its feel, the palate is awash with rich black raspberry and black cherry fruits which overlay elements of liquorice, scorched earth, infusions of Provincial herbs and peppered dried meats. A ripe, muscular tannin structure firms up the finish which is both long and generous.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
Saturated ruby. Ripe black raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by suggestions of cracked pepper, allspice and pungent flowers. Supple, appealingly sweet red and blue fruit preserve flavors gain energy with air, and a bright mineral element adds back-end lift. Supple tannins add shape to a persistent, floral-accented finish, which leaves cherry and spice notes behind. Drink 2020-2025.
90 points
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 

The Guigals predict volumes of only 3.5 million bottles for the 2017 Cotes du Rhone, as good wine was harder to source than in 2016. It's still bright and primary, with cherry fruit seeming a bit one-dimensional at this stage, although there's a welcome hint of almond paste on the crisp finish. Drink 2020-2023.
89-91 points
Joe Czerwinski – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

Considering Guigal makes about 4m bottles of Côtes du Rhône a year, with fruit sourced from across the Rhône Valley, the consistency, typicity and quality across all three colours is impressive. The red is generally released after a few years in bottle. The 2017 is a touch darker than the 2016, and I like its deep, brambly nature, with plenty of dark plum and blackberry. It has the warming sunshine that the southern Rhône expresses so well. It’s rounded, generous and full-bodied but with a good sense of inner freshness. The acidity is marked enough to match the concentration and alcohol, leading to a richly fruited finish, with gentle chewy tannins. Drinking Window 2021 – 2023.
90 points
Decanter.com