2018 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde

Opaque violet color. Smoke-accented cherry, dark berry preserve, fruitcake and incense aromas are complemented by suggestions of vanilla, olive and baking spices. Fleshy and expansive in the mouth, offering alluringly sweet red and blue fruit, exotic spice and dark chocolate flavors and repeating smokiness. Displays excellent clarity and spicy cut on the long, smooth finish, which features polished tannins and reverberating blue fruit and floral notes.

Another incredible base wine is the 2018 Côte Rôtie Brune Et Blonde, which comes from multiple terroirs spread throughout the appellation. It shines for its elegance and finesse and is more medium-bodied, yet brings beautiful fruit, seamless tannins, and classic Côte Rôtie aromas and flavors. The purity of fruit is truly something. It’s drinking brilliantly today and will be drinking brilliantly in 10-15 years as well.

While the 2018 Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde comes across as being slightly less complex than the 2017, it's also fruitier and more overtly charming. Cherries and berries abound in this supple, medium to full-bodied effort that finishes long and silky.