A blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre drawn from Lirac, Rasteau, Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venise and Roaix, aged in combination of second and third use barrels, followed by additional time in foudres, the 2018 Cotes du Rhone Guy Louis exhibits floral, spicy aromas, hints of garrigue and baking spices, plus plenty of cherry fruit. It's medium to full-bodied, silky and fine, with a lingering, gently oaky finish.

My favorite Cotes du Rhone is the 2010 Guy Louis, a blend of 60% Grenache (from Rasteau, Cairanne and the Plan de Dieu) and 40% Syrah. This opaque blue/purple-colored, medium to full-bodied offering displays a stunning nose of forest floor, camphor, barbeque spices, licorice and blue, red and black fruits. This loaded cuvee may ultimately eclipse the sumptuous 2009. Drink it over the next 5-6 years although I suspect it may last even longer. (Not yet released)Michel Tardieu has excellent relationships with many growers in the southern Rhone, which is reflected in the quality of his three cuvees of Cotes du Rhone as well as what he accomplishes in Rasteau, Vacqueyras, Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape. He normally makes three cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape, but I only tasted two on my recent visit.Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

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

Slightly better is the value-priced 2008 Cotes du Rhone Guy Louis. A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, it offers lovely berry fruit intermixed with garrigue, pepper, and lavender in a medium-weight, moderately-endowed style. It should drink nicely for 3-4 years. (Not yet released)Previously recommended in issue #179, but not tasted out of bottle: 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Speciale (94-95), 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (92-94), 2007 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Speciale (91-93), 2007 Cotes du Rhone y Louis (91-93)Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661