($72, Vintus):  The Brune et Blonde designation indicates that the wine comes from grapes grown in a variety of parcels on the two major slopes of the appellation, the Côte Brune and the Côte Blonde, names that reflect the color of the soil.  Despite the ripeness of the year, Guigal manages to capture the quintessential peppery quality for which the wines of the appellation are known.  For such a powerful vintage, Guigal’s Brune et Blonde retains exciting freshness and amazing class.  The balance of the 2007 suggests that it is another one of his Côte-Rôtie that will develop beautifully with bottle age.  Should you opt to drink it now, try it with grilled meat. 93 Michael Apstein May 8, 2012