1988 Cotes du Rhone

Deeper in color and also a rock solid bottle, the 1988 E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône is deeper in color and slightly richer, with mature notions of bing cherry, tobacco leaf, leather, baking spices, and dried licorice. There’s an ever so slight hint of oxidation, yet it stays in the background and the fruit and spice components dominate the bouquet. Medium to full-bodied and still fleshy and well put together on the palate, with good texture, sweet fruit, and a clean, finish, it too is a complete surprise and drinks well past its humble origin.