Guigal 2007 blind tasting

I happened to have three Guigals from 2007 that were of varying price category, a CdR (12€), a CNdP (30€) and a Hermitage (50€). I decided to organise a blind tasting of the three to see if we could a) distinguish between the price categories and b) identify the different regions. We had the wine with an excellent roast of moose, wild mushroom sauce and a bulgur/chickpea side.

• 2007 E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

  Decanted for an hour. Had alongside Guigal's Hermitage and CNdP from the same vintage. This was definitely flat and insipid compared to the other two, although it probably would have been good on its own. Has seen better days.

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• 2007 E. Guigal Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Decanted for an hour. Had alongside Guigal's Hermitage and CdR from the same vintage, and this just didn't hold up to the Hermitage. Felt a bit lean and generic, nothing special, not very distinct from the CdR, although definitely more alive. It was good in any case, but I think I won't score it. Disappointing.

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• 2007 E. Guigal Hermitage 92 Points

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage

  Decanted for an hour. Oh wow, what a wonderful aromatic nose this has, lots of fruit, Mediterranean spices, bit of orange, just great. Palate had lots of tannins, good fruit, not full on, but elegant. Really great with a roast of moose and wild mushroom sauce.

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This was a fun exercise! Quite quickly we established that the Hermitage (as it turned out to be) was very different to the CdR and CNdP. The CdR tasted and smelled a bit flat and old, but I was rather disappointed with the CNdP, it was not very distinguishable and didn't really turn me on in any way. A great evening in any case!