2004 E. Guigal Condrieu
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Tasting notes
Looking back at what was a truly profound vintage for Condrieu, both of Guigal’s cuvees of 2004 are still going strong, and still revealing wonderful aromatics and flavor intensity. No doubt this vintage, which also had high acidity, much like 2005, has added a dimension of limited longevity to Condrieu that it rarely possesses. The 2004 Condrieu (he now produces over 40% of the entire appellation’s output) is a wine that is aged two-thirds in stainless steel and one-third in barrel. This wine has floral white peach and honeysuckle notes, some hints of mineral, full-bodied, powerful flavors, but enticing dryness and impeccable balance and purity. This is a beauty to drink over the next 1-2 years. Importer: Fred Ek and Patrick Will, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Blossomy, quite soft and opened in glass but lively – though definitely soft underneath. Not a long term wine! (JR)
Bright gold. Classic Condrieu perfume of fresh peach, apricot pit, pear, apple skin, violet and minerals. Lush and broad on the palate but showing strong minerality and dry, tangy orchard fruit flavors. According to Philippe, this finished with only 1.2 grams per liter of residual sugar. The powerful finish shows a refreshingly bitter note of quinine along with sweeter tones of melon and star fruit.