The 2006 Cotes du Rhone exhibits a dark ruby hue that is slightly less saturated than the 2007. It possesses more pepper, garrigue, earth, and tar characteristics in addition to plenty of red and black fruit notes. Medium-bodied and juicy, it is best consumed over the next 2-3 years. The venerable Guigal firm continues to prove that while Marcel Guigal's reputation is based on his extraordinary Cote Roties, Condrieus, and Hermitages, his emphasis on making some of the Rhone Valley's finest bargain-priced wines is admirable. I am always amazed that despite what is an ocean of white and red Cotes du Rhone produced, quality is maintained at a remarkably high level. Guigal's Cotes du Rhones demonstrate that bigger can be better, a philosophy I generally find to be untrue, but these wines are the exception to the rule. Guigal's red Cotes du Rhones have been staples for many consumers over the last few decades. While Guigal does not yet own an estate in Chateauneuf du Pape, readers can be assured he will purchase one sooner rather than later. His late father, Etienne, and he have always believed that along with Hermitage and Cote Rotie, Chateauneuf du Pape is one of the three greatest appellations of the Rhone Valley. Of those three, this is the only one in which he has not yet secured a vineyard. However, from purchased fruit, Guigal fashions a traditionally made cuvee aged for an unusually long time before it is released. For example, the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape, possibly the greatest Guigal effort over the last three vintages, is just being released.Importer: Fred Ek and Patrick Will, Ex Cellars, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153

A textbook version, with mesquite and tobacco notes weaving through a core of crushed plum and blackberry fruit. A licorice edge frames the lightly grippy finish. Drink now. 250,000 cases made. -JM

Guigal’s skills in selecting and blending large quantities of Cotes-du-Rhone remain unparalleled. The 2006 is full bodied, round in the mouth, full of typical black cherry and plum fruit, and hinting at anise and leather. It should drink well for up to five years.——J.C.(12/15/2009)—— 89