Guigal Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde 2018/2019 750ml

Inky ruby. Vibrant, spice-accented cherry and boysenberry scents are complicated by hints of black pepper, candied flowers and licorice. Supple and broad in the mouth, offering juicy red and blue fruit preserves, spicecake, olive paste and violet pastille flavors that tighten up steadily with air. The floral note repeats strongly on the clinging finish, which shows excellent clarity and velvety, slowly building tannins. There are almost a quarter-million bottles of this wine made in a typical vintage, by the way. 50% new oak.

A stalwart in the Guigal lineup, the 2019 Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde features gently herbal and smoky nuances on the nose, plus plenty of mouthwatering red-berry fruit. It's medium to full-bodied, seems just slightly richer and more concentrated than the 2018 and finishes silky and long. Range: 90-92

I always love the Brune et Blonde cuvée from Guigal, and their 2019 is no exception. The 2019 Côte Rôtie Brune Et Blonde is certainly the most approachable and ready-to-go of the Côte Rôties and has a pretty, classic nose of red and black raspberries, ground pepper, and spice, with some meaty nuances. It's medium to full-bodied, balanced, and just incredibly satisfying. Drink bottles over the coming 10-15 years.