1998 Cotes du Rhone Guy Louis

The 1998 Cotes du Rhone Guy Louis rouge (a blend of equal parts Syrah and Grenache) exhibits a saturated ruby/plum/purple color as well as an elegant, clearly defined bouquet of black currants and minerals, with a touch of road tar. Medium-bodied, pure, and fruit-driven, it is a terrific Cotes du Rhone, with perhaps less alcohol than previous renditions, but impressive and beautifully knit. It should drink well for 5-6 years.||A Patrick Lesec Selection (Paris fax # 011 33 1 42 84 38 22), various American importers, including Adventures in Wine, Daly City, CA; tel. (415) 467-0130, Atlantic Importing Co., Newton, MA; tel. (617) 965-2933, Fine Vines LLC, Maywood, IL; tel. (708) 343-5901, and New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (843) 497-8625|| Wine Advocate.October, 1999

Bright ruby-purple. Cassis, blackberry, violet, spice and a hint of meat on the nose. Dense but bright, with notes of spice, dark chocolate and game. Tannins are noble and thoroughly ripe. This is a great grenache vintage, yet today this extremely promising wine is dominated by its 50% syrah component.