E. GUIGAL CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE - 1998

13.5% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Reddish-brown hue with a nose of earth and mushrooms. On the palate it is incredibly soft and smooth with licorice, blackberry and cherry fruit juice. Some pepper and leather.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

90 PTS

The red Rhone blend has seen better days. Having tasted this a few years ago, the fruit was vibrant, grapey and was delicious. It was clearly at its best. Now, the wine has changed. It has become very subtle and more earthy. A very different experience and one that can't say I prefer even though it is still a very enjoyable effort. Purchased for $25 a bottle many moons ago. If you have this in your cellar, I'm not sure if you want to hold it any longer.