E. Guigal Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019

It’s once in a blue moon that we’re able to score anything from one of France’s most famous and beloved wineries, E. Guigal – let alone secure an offer that gives us the best pricing in the country. But today, from the rock-solid 2020 vintage in the Southern Rhône comes a unanimous Gigondas standout from one of the all-time greats.

Within the Rhône, nobody is as world-renowned for quality and excellence as Etienne Guigal. The winery is easily one of the most recognizable, with their single-vineyard Côte-Rôties fetching nearly $1,000/bottle and always receiving massive scores. After all these years, they are the undisputed kings of the Rhone.

This 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape proves why that reputation is bulletproof. Double 94-point scores don’t happen by accident. Jeb Dunnuck called it “up with the finest vintages of this cuvée I’ve ever tasted,” noting its “expressive, classic style” and predicting 10-15 years of glorious evolution. James Suckling matched with 94 points, praising its “serious” character and “muscular structure for long aging.”