E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2020

You know who makes a pretty good* white? The legendary E. Guigal, with this Viognier-dominant Côtes du Rhône Blanc for JUST $13. (The full blend clocks in at 60% Viognier, 15% Roussanne, 10% Marsanne, 8% Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc, and 2% Grenache blanc.) This is the estate that Jeb Dunnuck has called “one of the world’s greatest wine estates for over seven decades.” That high of praise combined with this succulent 92-point white = straight-up dreamy. 

A touch of history… Etienne Guigal started working in local vineyards at just 14 years of age, later founding his own domaine in 1946 in the village of Ampuis. His estate has grown, expanded, and yet remained committed to its family origins, traditions, and original passion-grounded values in the years since, crafting a range of striking, authentic wines across the Côtes du Rhône. You’ve probably heard of them and seen some of their bottles going for well into the triple-digit realm – but they also craft expressly more approachable wines, as well (with all the same craftsmanship and care). Lucky us!

My notes: The expressive bouquet offers up round, generous notes of lemon pie, summer peaches, hazelnut, and apple butter on toast, as the palate leans decidedly more vibrant and piquant – dusty green apples picked from the tree a week early, then a bit of yellow Jolly Rancher, leaving a pleasing pinch in your cheeks. This is spring sunshine on a warm day! Fresh rosemary, crunchy-salty seashells, and dried apricots drizzled with honey leave you only wanting more – and for $13, more you shall easily have!

Such a thorough delight – and from a captivatingly historic estate to boot. I know you don’t need me to twist your arm, but do go for at least six to get shipping included. And – if you have a hankering for more – get a case, or two, or three! Shipping’s free for anything over six bottles (yes, even sixty).