2015 Cotes du Rhone Guy Louis

35% Marsanne (60 years old), 30% Grenache Blanc (70 years old), 20% Roussanne (40 years old), 10% Viognier (40 years old), 5% Clairette (40 years old). Organic. Aged in a mix of barrels. Deep straw colour. Most appealing edge and drive to the nose of this which has masses of energy on the nose and the weight of the Grenache and Marsanne on the palate. Already open and drinkable. (JR)

As to the reds, all of these show beautiful purity of fruit and impeccably made profiles. As a whole, 2015 was consistent throughout the Southern Rhône, and you see that consistency in this lineup. Named after Michel’s father, the 2015 Côtes du Rhône Guy Louis is always a first rate Côtes du Rhône and the grapes come mostly from the Cru appellations of the Southern Rhône. A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, mostly destemmed, it has lots of jammy black cherry and black raspberry notes, ample garrigue and spice, medium to full-bodied richness and fine, elegant tannin that emerge on the finish. It’s a serious, classy Côtes du Rhône that will drink nicely through 2025. Oct 2016, www.robertparker.com