E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône 2017

Not yet bottled, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône is cut from the same cloth as the 2016 yet has a touch more exuberance and sunny character. Kirsch, peppery herbs, and earthy notes emerge from this medium to full-bodied, sweetly fruited effort that’s already a joy to drink. 90-92

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. 89-91

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.

Baked apple, cardamom and smoke introduce this fullbodied, lusciously waxen white. It’s a rippling, textural wine that finishes on an elegantly salty tang. Enjoy now–2023.