Cote Rotie Brune Et Blonde 2020  
93WA  93WS  93JD 92VM
96% syrah, 4% viognier

$64.99 US Low on bottle 1*
$69.99 reg
*Compare at $69+

In spite of the dark forest berry fruit this has so much floral and mineral freshness, it is uplifting! Concentrated and very focused, the interplay of oak, fine fruit tannin and fruit aromas on the palate are spot on. Just bottled, so it really benefits from some air in the glass or decanting. A cuvee of 96% syrah and 4% viognier. Matured in 50% new oak and 50% used barrels for three years. Drinkable now, but best from 2024. 

JLL notes: 50% crop from domaine harvest, plus 30+ suppliers crop & a little purchased wine (declining number, was 40+), 25-day vinification, automatic cap punching, pumping overs, aged 40-50% new, 50-60% 2-year oak 228 litre casks for 30 months, unfined, filtered
 
91-93 pts Wine Advocate
Seductive, smoky notes of grilled bacon, ripe cherries and blueberries emerge on the nose of the 2020 Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde. Full-bodied and reasonably concentrated, it finishes with an elegant wash of silky tannins. It appears reasonably forward and should be approachable soon after release.
 
91-93 pts Jeb Dunnuck
Leading off the Côte Rôties, the 2020 Côte Rôtie Brune Et Blonde has a darker ruby hue to go with terrific cassis and black raspberry fruits supported by classic Côte Rôtie spice, dried meats, and floral nuances. It's medium to full-bodied, balanced, has ripe tannins, and a fruit-forward style not far off the 2018.

**** JLL
dark robe; the bouquet has cards to play, offers a nicely serene, together air of blackberry fruit, a hint of licorice, blood and rose petal. The palate gives a welcoming wave of mulberry, dark red, loganberry fruits with tang and freshness in the tannins. It’s in the house style of richness – controlled – and carries implicit coating. There is a little herbal freshness towards the finish, a hint of menthol there. This shows Guigal a bit over the purity of Côte-Rôtie. From 2028. Decant it. 2046-48 Feb 2024

93 pts Wine Spectator
A polished, modern style, with a rush of black fruit, bitter cherry and incense layered with smoldering tobacco and cigar box. Succulent acidity races through, bringing balance to the svelte, smoky finish. Syrah and Viognier. Drink now through 2034.

92 pts Vinous Media
The 2020 Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde de Guigal is showing well. Ripe black fruits race out of the glass, mingling with pencil shavings, cured meat and licorice. Medium-bodied and concentrated, the 2020 concludes with intensity on the savory finale.