E. Guigal

E. Guigal
1998 Gigondas

This is the wine to drink first as a warm up to the Jaboulet. With 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre this blend is a bit lighter in body than the Northern Rhones but just as fun to power down. The crimson red color has a consistent nice lightness to it and is very clean and clear of any flaws. Aromas that first come on the scene are burnt cherries and then followed up by some spicy clove.


This wine has seen two years in oak casks and has all the grip and spiciness that Grenache can offer. This blend offers up earthy, leathery and good amounts of red berry flavors. It can be a bit chewy and the robust body can keep this wine going in your glass for a long time, but it will be down your throat before to long.

The “98” vintage was seen as a very nice vintage for the entire Rhone valley but it was heralded as one of the best vintage for the South in almost 10 years. I like this wine for a classic example of Grenache in the Southern Rhone. The tannins are light and the body medium and can do a little cellar time for 3-4 years. The finish is relaxed and faint and is a damn good bottle for about $18.

If you get through these two bottles and you are feeling good, then my job is done. For the price on these two bottles I will take these as a representation of the Rhone any day. You can drop a lot more money when shopping for wines from this region, but you don’t have to. God bless Syrah.

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