2009 Cotes du Rhone Guy Louis

Opaque purple. Slightly jammy aromas and flavors of dark berry compote and cherry-cola, with a spicy topnote. Smooth and seamless on the palate, finishing with very good power and cling. This wine is drinking very well right now.

A serious white, with good depth and richness, the 2009 Tardieu-Laurent Côtes du Rhône Guy Louis opens with aromas of white fruits, pear, buttered bread, and loads of earthy, crushed rock and wet stone undertones. These lead to a medium bodied, well-built wine that has ripe fruit, notable balance, clean acidity, and a long, mineral, almost peppery finish. All in all, this outstanding white that has enough richness to handle heartier fare, but carries the acidity to allow it to work well with a wide variety of dishes. Worth checking out.

The old stand-by of Michel Tardieu is the 2009 Cotes du Rhone Guy Louis. This wine is about 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, all coming from three sectors – Cairanne, Rasteau, and the vast ocean of mostly Grenache-based vineyards known as the Plan de Dieu. Impressively endowed, medium to full-bodied, with ripe red and black fruits, camphor, barbecue spices, and underbrush, the wine is textured, rich, and very impressive. It should also drink well for 4-5 years. (Not yet released) Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661