E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône 2020

If you’re looking for the ultimate “reliable friend” in the wine world, look no further than E. Guigal. While they’re world-famous for their astronomical “LaLa” Côte-Rôties, they apply that same obsessive Northern Rhône precision to this humble Côtes du Rhône Rouge. In a vintage as balanced as 2020, the results are frankly ridiculous for the price.

This isn’t your average chuck it in the glass bistro red. Guigal treats this cuvée with a level of respect usually reserved for Cru-level wines, aging it for 18 months in oak foudres. It’s a Syrah-heavy powerhouse (around 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre), which gives it a much darker, meatier soul than the jammy versions you find further south.

The 2020 vintage is all about freshness and focus. It’s full-bodied and sexy (as the Guigals like to say), but it’s anchored by a serious mineral spine and silky, ripe tannins. You get waves of dark plum and cassis, but there’s a lovely herbal garrigue lift that keeps it from ever feeling heavy.