The deep ruby/purple-tinged 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape offers expressive notes of kirsch liqueur, licorice, herbs, meats, and spice. This fleshy effort should drink nicely for 7-10 years. If readers can still find any, 2003 was a very strong vintage for Guigal, with the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape meriting a solid 90 points. It is a slightly more tannic version than the 2004, with more meat, kirsch, and body. I also thought the 2003 Gigondas (89) was better than the 2004. You can’t go wrong with the 2003 Cotes du Rhone (88) as it offers loads of berry fruit.Guigal, who also owns fabulous vineyards in the Northern Rhone, is a superb blender when it comes to his Southern Rhones. He is turning out enormous quantities of high quality Cotes du Rhone reds, whites, and roses as well as fine Chateauneuf du Papes, Gigondas, and a terrific rose from Tavel.Importer: Fred Ek and Patrick Will, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153

Starts off showing mature dried currant, cedar and garrigue notes before gaining a fresher profile on the finish, with silky black cherry and mineral notes supported by fresh acidity. Drink now through 2014. 12,915 cases made. -JM