1998 Cote Rotie
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Tasting notes
The 1998 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde is drinking at point with complex aromatics of spice meats, bacon, subtle barnyard and sweet fruits. The palate is medium bodied, carrying a fresh, edgy texture, rich fruit and a long finish. In a good spot right now, these should be drunk up over the next 3 to 5 years.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Deep and quite healthy ruby. Round and seductive with lots of ripe fruit – quite different from most other regular Côte Rôties. Some tarriness but still the delicacy of the appellation. I’m impressed by this! A complete wine that seems obviously from a successful vintage. Really fruity core without any sacrifice of typicity. (JR)
Guigal's Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde (25,000 cases produced), tends to have 4-5% Viognier included in the blend. The 1998 exhibits some of the vintage's hard tannin, as well as complex aromatics of roasted olives, black currants, creamy oak, sweet cherries, and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied and structured, with a sweet attack, it will benefit from another two years of cellaring, and last for 15 years. Importer: Fred Ek, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153
Ruby-red, less saturated than the Hermitage. Cool aromas of black fruits, violet face powder, pepper and tar. Tightly wound on the palate, with pepper and herbal notes currently dominating the wine's dark berry component. But opened nicely with air to show good density and richness and sappy precision of flavor. Quite aromatic and bright in the mouth. Finishes with fine, peppery tannins and excellent persistence. Classic Cote-Rotie.