2007 Vintage Guigal Rhone Wines on tasting with Pat Smith

Pat Smith kindly gave up his weekend to show the 2007 Guigal wines which have just landed into Jus De Vine. There is no one in Ireland  that knows Guigals wines better. Pat is a Rhone specialist who lived and worked there for 6 years. He was also decorated by the French Government for all his work in the business. He is now semi retired but when he tastes anything exceptional he will let us know and loves to come into our shop and talk about the wines and winemaker. He has promised another weekend in October when Pierre Amadieus Eagle's Pass 2007 Gigondas and Vacqueyras become available









   2007 Vintage from Maison E. GUIGAL
In the Rhone Valley and in particular the Southern Rhone, the 2007 vintage is the vintage of the decade. Robert Parker has backed this up by stating that the Cotes-du-Rhone red 2007 and Gigondas 2007 are the best ever made by Marcel Guigal for these appellations.



MAISON E. GUIGAL
The premier wine producer in the Rhone Valley. For decades now they are producing wine of the highest quality, with consistency the by-word to success. You will never be disappointed with a bottle of Guigal--the Guigal label is a stamp of quality whether a top Cote-Rotie or a basic Cotes-du-Rhone.

COTES-du-RHONE (Blanc) 2009
With 52% Viognier this wine is not unlike Condrieu. It is medium-dry with tropical fruit flavours and floral hints in the bouquet. It is fresh and crisp, ideal with any fish dish or just perfect on its own.
Available at Jus De Vine for 12.99

COTES-du-RHONE (Rouge) 2007
Parker says that this is the best Cotes-du-Rhone that Guigal has ever made. Judging by the reaction during the tasting, he's probably right. 50% Syrah (body & tannin), 40% Grenache (fruitiness), 10% Mourvedre (spicy/peppery). The wine is medium to full-bodied, silky smooth with a round fruity flavour--simply delicious.
Available at Jus De Vine for 12.99

GIGONDAS 2007
Big and full-bodied, a step and a half up on the Cotes-du-Rhone. The wine tastes of black cherries and ripe plums with still enough tannin to hold it together for at least 10 years. It has a nice smooth peppery finish--great food wine.
Available at Jus De Vine for 24.99

CROZES-HERMITAGE 2007
Made from 100% Syrah.This tannic grape variety makes this wine earthy with a mix of brambly fruit flavours. Big and full-bodied with tannin that is not too harsh--the result of oak ageing. Fantastic wine to have with goats Cheese, salami, lamb etc.

Available at Jus De Vine for 19.99

Julie


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