297. E. Guigal, Côtes du Rhône, 2003

£5.99 sale price, 13%

After the quality of the 1999, when I saw this in Majestic for £6, it was an automatic choice for a Christmassy quaffer. Didn’t disappoint. Mid-garnet core and narrow bricking rim. Mid-intensity nose with garrigue herbs, fresh leather and oddly some marmalade and apricot notes – a touch of Viognier, Côte-Rôtie style? Or even botrytis?? Fresh spicy dark fruit core with notable acidity, and a grippy finish. Very pleasant – Guigal scores again with a Côtes du Rhône (and a nice lead into the next wine…!).