The 2018 Guigal Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde is a red wine crafted from Syrah grapes in the Cote Rotie appellation of Northern Rhone, France. With an alcohol content of 14.0%, this wine is sealed with a traditional cork closure and showcases the expertise of the renowned producer, Guigal.
This vintage has garnered impressive reviews from several prominent wine critics. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it a score of 94, highlighting its "elegance and finesse" and noting that it is "medium-bodied, yet brings beautiful fruit, seamless tannins, and classic Côte Rôtie aromas and flavors." Dunnuck also praised the wine's longevity, suggesting it will drink brilliantly for the next 10-15 years (jebdunnuck.com, 2/16/2022).
James Suckling gave the wine an excellent score of 95, describing it as rich and fleshy with classic Cote-Rotie aromas including "leather, smoked bacon, spices and black cherry." He praised its "very silky texture" and noted the "generous, fine tannins" which build beautifully at the long, complete finish (jamessuckling.com, 2/9/2022).
Wine Spectator's review, which scored the wine 93, mentioned its bold flavors of "alder, incense and singed tobacco," complemented by "cherry and red currant paste flavors." The wine's oak treatment was particularly noted as being "very nicely done" (Wine Spectator, 2/28/2022).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate scored it 91, pointing out that while it may be slightly less complex than the 2017 vintage, it is "fruitier and more overtly charming," with abundant cherries and berries (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 2/11/2022).
Wine Enthusiast's Anna-Christina Cabrales gave the wine a score of 93, describing it as "approachable and gentle," with a dense core of "brambly black and red berries, oak spice, warm earth and a stone minerality." She noted its balance and round tannins, making it enjoyable now but also suitable for cellaring well past 2030 (Wine Enthusiast, 5/1/2023).
Vinous also awarded it a score of 94, highlighting its "opaque violet color" and "smoke-accented cherry, dark berry preserve, fruitcake and incense aromas." The wine's "alluringly sweet red and blue fruit, exotic spice and dark chocolate flavors" were noted for their clarity and spicy cut on the long, smooth finish (Vinous, 12/22/2022).
In summary, the 2018 Guigal Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde is a well-constructed Syrah with a balance of elegance, fruitiness, and complex flavors, making it a commendable choice for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.