Marchbanks
Hat and Beard member
A strange one, this. I was somewhat underwhelmed by the 2015 Guigal (see above.) It was perfectly fine, rather pleasant in fact - but still not as good as I had been hoping. Was I expecting too much simply because it was a 2015? I remembered I had a couple of 2014s left, so last night I had a head-to-head.
The first thing that struck me on opening the 2014 was the comparatively large amount of oakiness on the nose. Not a plus point in my book. I could taste it too at first, although not after an hour or so. The 2015 had more of a peppery scent and tasted of mulberryish type fruit. It was the smoother of the two - the 2014 had harsher tannins and an astringency that made it feel more ‘rustic’.
I had to keep reminding myself that I was probably judging both bottles harshly, bearing in mind they cost me under £6 each. At that price they were excellent value, although if I had paid the full UK price - of what, £12? - I would have been less impressed. At that level I’d have to say Pigeoulet would get my vote.
I definitely preferred the 2015, but I’ll put the remainder down to drink in the next couple of years as I don’t see it improving from here. I’d thought about getting some 2016s for comparison, but as I’m already stuffed to the gunwales with 2016 Coudoulet perhaps I’ll leave that to someone else.
So all sound, but a nagging sense of disappointment, either down to overly high expectations, decreasing VFM, a suspicion the wine simply isn’t as good as it was, or my frame of mind (on the night or in the current period) or a combination. Maybe.
The first thing that struck me on opening the 2014 was the comparatively large amount of oakiness on the nose. Not a plus point in my book. I could taste it too at first, although not after an hour or so. The 2015 had more of a peppery scent and tasted of mulberryish type fruit. It was the smoother of the two - the 2014 had harsher tannins and an astringency that made it feel more ‘rustic’.
I had to keep reminding myself that I was probably judging both bottles harshly, bearing in mind they cost me under £6 each. At that price they were excellent value, although if I had paid the full UK price - of what, £12? - I would have been less impressed. At that level I’d have to say Pigeoulet would get my vote.
I definitely preferred the 2015, but I’ll put the remainder down to drink in the next couple of years as I don’t see it improving from here. I’d thought about getting some 2016s for comparison, but as I’m already stuffed to the gunwales with 2016 Coudoulet perhaps I’ll leave that to someone else.
So all sound, but a nagging sense of disappointment, either down to overly high expectations, decreasing VFM, a suspicion the wine simply isn’t as good as it was, or my frame of mind (on the night or in the current period) or a combination. Maybe.
