E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2020
(Rhône Valley, France) - [WE 92] [WA 90] [JD 90]

About Guigal:
The more you learn about the Guigal family, the more astounding becomes their story. Their wines are the benchmarks for every Rhône appellation, and over the last thirty years they have become arguably the most lauded producer in the world. Year after year the Guigal family produces wines of exceptional quality that in all classes offer exceptional value.

About the Wine:
Guigal’s Côtes du Rhône Blanc both sets and steps outside the standard for the appellation and showcases one of the great secrets of the Guigal family: their specialization in the great white Rhone varieties. While only 2% of the Rhone’s production is white, a full 25% of Guigal’s production is white. This wine, based on Viognier, is both fresh and rich, with complex aromas and flavors of honeysuckle, pear, and kiwi, and a deep mineral streak. It is a beautiful, seamless wine that represents unbelievable value. Guigal produces an almost completely distinct Cotes du Rhone Blanc due to their Northern Rhone mindset. Wines under this general appellation are dominated by Southern Rhone grapes such as Clairette, Grenache Blanc, and Bourboulenc.

Technical Information

Varietal Composition: 60% Viognier, 15% Roussanne, 10% Marsanne, 8% Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc, 2% Grenache Blanc
Fermentation: Low temperatures, temperature controlled alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel.
Aging: 9 months in stainless steel tanks.
Alcohol: 13.5%

Tasting Notes

Yellow gold, clear and brilliant. Freshness on the nose is marked by the distinctive aromas of Viognier: white flowers, apricot, acacia and white peach. The palate is fruity with plenty of richness and body. Overall, a well rounded wine with elegance, strength and balance.

Ratings & Reviews

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Fresh and delicious aromas of yellow peach, Bosc pear, dehydrated pineapple, and stone fill the glass. The palate gently delivers mirroring flavors that are accentuated by candied ginger and uplifting acidity that contributes to its long finish. This wine is a winning pair to a wide range of vegetable preparations." (Dec 2023)

90 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2020 Cotes du Rhone Blanc is even more floral and expressive than usual, fresh and vibrant, with a touch of ripe apricot flavor as well. It's medium to full-bodied, plump, silky-textured and long on the finish. Drink it over the next couple of years." Joe Czerwinski (Feb 2022)

90 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The Viognier-dominated 2020 Côtes Du Rhône Blanc has a pretty, honeyed, white flower, and peach-driven style as well as medium-bodied richness on the palate. The consistency and quality this family gets in these larger production Cotes du Rhône (both red and white) never ceases to amaze me. Drink this impeccably made white over the coming year or two." (Feb 2022)

89 Points - James Suckling:
"Aromas of peach, grapefruit and lemon peel. Medium-bodied with pretty white berries and flowers, with a slightly fluid finish. 60% viognier, 15% roussanne, 10% marsanne, 8% clairette, 5% bourbolenc, 2% grenache blanc." (Aug 2022)