Tried this last niight w/ my samwichs:
1. E.Guigal Cotes Du Rhone Blanc (13.5%) 2009: Pale yellow near colorless; fragrant Viog/pear slight appley/Marsanne light stoney/earthy very attractive nose; bit soft pleasant pear/Viog appley/Marsanne light stoney/earthy dry rather simple flavor; rather short light pear/Viog/appley/Marsanne/quince slight stoney/earthy finish; very attractive Viog-dominated nose and pleasant/simple on the palate; not nearly as good/interesting as the Qupe LosOlivosCuvee (Viog/Chard blend) at the same price. $16.00
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BP:
1. The Guigal CdRBlanc used to be Marsanne dominated and had that stoney/minerally austere character that Rhone Blancs usually have. Over the last few yrs, they've been amping up the Viognier in the blend; making it more user-friendly to a broader audience. I prefer the older style myself as more interesting; but sometimes just another pretty face is all you're gonna get.
Tom