DOMAINE E. GUIGAL (RODANO - FRANCIA)
Fundada en 1946 por Étienne Guigal, la familia Guigal continúa elaborando desde su magnífico Château d'Ampuis vinos de gran calidad en varias de las subdenominaciones del valle del Ródano, tanto septentrionales (Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Crozes-Hermitage) como meridionales (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Tavel, Côtes-du-Rhône).
Bodega familiar de Ampuis (Côtes-du-Rhône, Francia), con una tradición casi centenaria. El fundador de la dinastía fue Étienne Guigal, pero ha sido su hijo Marcelquien ha dejado huella indeleble en los vinos de la re gión. Por su labor fue galardonado con el premio que la revista Decanter al Winemaker of the Year. Adquiriendo renombrados dominios en el valle del Ródano, fueron ampliando sus propiedades, aunque mantienen su sedeen el Château d'Ampuis.
Merece la pena visitar la bodega con su noble castillo de origen medieval, reformadoen el Renacimiento. Hay además una tonelería (Seguin
Moreau) que trabaja para la bodega y allí puede admirarse la labor de los artesanos de la madera.
Poseen viñedos en diferentes denominaciones de la región norte del Valle del Ródano: Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Hermitage, Saint Joseph y Crozes-Hermitage. Entre esas propiedades hay algunos pagos excepcionales, en las escarpadas laderas con suelos de pizarra que forman el valle del Ródano en su parte septentrional. Esta bodega elabora sus vinos más conocidos (La Mouline, La Turque y La Landonne, en Côte-Rôtie; al igual que La Doriane en Condrieu) con el ensamblaje de las vendimias que proceden de esos viñedos, armonizando sabiamente los suelos (esquistos, arenas graníticas, granitos con óxido de hierro, arcillas calcáreas) donde nacen los vinos blancos de viognier y los tintos de syrah.
Las producciones son, generalmente, muy pequeñas (30-40 hl/ha). Podría destacarse en tre todos sus vinos el Château d'Ampuis, un verdadero arquetipo de los grandes tintos de Câte-Rôtie: firme, como si tuviese una vida eterna. Algunas cosechas de La
Landonne son tan maduras y concentradas que parecenatesorar en su cuerpo un licor y una promesa de guarda de tres décadas.
E. Guigal
Año de fundación: 1946
Enólogo: Philippe Guigal
Dirección: Route Nationale, 86 69420 Ampuis
Teléfono: +33 474 561 022
E-mail: contact@guigal.com
Web: www.guigal.com
DOMAINE E. GUIGAL (AMPUIS - COTE DU RHONE - FRANCE)
Guigal, formally Établissements Guigal, is a winery and négociant business situated in Ampuis in the northern part of the Rhône region in France. Guigal produces wine from appellations across the Rhône region, but is particularly noted for their Côte-Rôtie wines and played a pioneering role in improving Côte-Rôtie's international reputation. Guigal's single vineyard wines La Mouline, La Landonne and La Turque (sometimes referred to collectively as "La La's") are internationally renowned. In 2007, the release of the 2003 vintage of Guigal's "La La" wines set the record for most expensive release of any Rhone wine, with bottles retailing for as much as $800.
- History: Guigal was established in 1946 by Étienne Guigal, who had worked for Vidal Fleury for 15 years before setting up his own business. It has been managed by his son Marcel Guigal since 1961. In 1984, Guigal bought Vidal Fleury but continues to operate it as a separate business. In 2000, Guigal bought and absorbed two other wineries: the estate Jean-Louis Grippat in Saint-Joseph and the Domaine de Vallouit, with vineyard holdings in Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage, which added some high-end vineyards in other appellations to the Guigal range. In 2006 the Domaine de Bonserine was purchased by Guigal. In recent years, Marcel's son Philippe Guigal has been active as a winemaker at Guigal.
Guigal, under Marcel Guigal, came to international fame in the early - to mid - 1980s when Robert M. Parker, Jr. followed by other wine critics heaped praise on Guigal's top Côte-Rôtie wines, in particular the three single vineyard wines La Mouline, La Landonne and La Turque. Parker comments that "In the past 26 years I have spent visiting wineries and vignerons, I have never seen a producer so fanatical about quality as Marcel Guigal." This attention contributed to the Rhône wines' improved international fame in general, and in particular led Côte-Rôtie to be seen more on par with Hermitage than in previous times. This also meant that the top Côte-Rôtie wines increased in price to reach and later follow and sometimes surpass that of the top Hermitage wines. In 2006 Marcel Guigal was awarded the Decanter Man of the Year award for his contribution and dedication to the Rhône.
- Wines and vineyard holdings: Guigal produces a wide range of red, white and rosé wine from the northern and southern Rhône appellations. These wines are sold under the appellation's name with similar-looking wine labels across the range.
The high-end wines, on the other hand, have individual labels of very varying design and mostly carry vineyard designations, sometimes an official lieu-dit and sometimes Guigal's own designation. These wines are only produced from Guigal's own vineyards.
Guigals total vineyard holdings is slightly over 45 hectares (110 acres), of which around half is in Côte-Rôtie.
Of the 25,000 cases of wine typically made in the Condrieu appellation each vintage, around 45% is produced by Guigal.
- Côte-Rôtie wines
The Côte-Rôtie wines, for which Guigal is most famous, are produced on three quality levels:
. Brune et Blonde de Guigal (previously known as just Brune et Blonde), the basic Côte-Rôtie carrying the names of the Côte Brune and Côte Blonde parts of the appellation, and featuring a standard Guigal label. Typically a blend of 4% Viognier and 96% Syrah.
. Château d'Ampuis, a blend of six vineyards of Côte Brune and Côte Blonde, and priced between the Brune et Blonde and the vineyard-designated wines. Typically a blend of 7% Viognier and 93% Syrah. Produced since the 1995 vintage, it is named after the 11th century fort and historical monument in Ampuis that was purchased in 1995, restored and setup as Guigal headquarters.
. La Landonne, a vineyard-designated wine made from 100% Syrah, and therefore often the most tannic of the three top wines. Produced since the 1978 vintage.
. La Mouline, a vineyard-designated wine from a parcel inside the lieu-dit Côte Blonde. Typically a blend of 11% Viognier and 89% Syrah and therefore often the most floral of three top wines.
. La Turque, a vineyard-designated wine from a parcel inside the lieu-dit Côte Brune. Typically a blend of 7% Viognier and 93% Syrah and often described as intermediate between La Landonne and La Mouline in style.[16]
For the vineyard Côte-Rôties, Guigal has received more 100 point ratings by Robert M. Parker than any other single wine producer. As of 2009, this meant 21 wines, consisting of seven vintages of La Landonne (1985-2005), nine vintages of La Mouline (1976-2005), and five vintages of La Turque (1985-2005).
- Other high-end wines:
. Condrieu La Doriane, from the three lieux-dits Côte Chatillon, Colombier and Coteau de Chéry.
. Condrieu Luminiscence, a sweet Condrieu only produced in some vintages.
. Ermitage Ex Voto red, from old vines in the four lieux-dits Bessards, Greffieux, Murands and Hermite. 100% Syrah. Produced since the 2000 vintage.
. Ermitage Ex Voto white, from old vines in the two lieux-dits Murets (90% of the wine) and Hermite (10% of the wine). Typically a blend of 90% Marsanne and 10% Roussanne. Produced since the 2001 vintage.
. Saint-Joseph Lieu-dit Saint-Joseph red. 100% Syrah.
. Saint-Joseph Lieu-dit Saint-Joseph white. Typically a blend of 95% Marsanne and 5% Roussanne.
. Saint-Joseph Vignes de l'Hospice red. Produced from a formerly church-owned vineyard that was divided between the two estates of Grippat and Vallouit before it was bought by Guigal. 100% Syrah. Produced since the 1999 vintage and priced higher than the Lieu-dit Saint-Joseph wine.
INTRODUCTION
Guigal, family-owned merchant-grower based at Ampuis, côte rôtie, in the northern rhône. Although established as recently as 1946 by Etienne Guigal, Etablissements Guigal is the most famous of any of the Rhone valley’s merchants or growers with collectors and investors. This is very largely due to the efforts of its manager since 1961, Etienne’s only son Marcel, a man of exceptional modesty and a gifted, meticulous winemaker.
Guigal owns slightly more than 20 ha/50 acres of prime vineyard in Côte Rôtie, and it was the wines made from three of its best parcels, extravagantly praised by influential American wine writer Robert parker in the early to mid 1980s, that first drew international attention to Marcel Guigal.
It would be fair to say that the quality of Guigal’s top wines, along with Parker’s persistent enthusiasm for them among many other Rhone wines, spearheaded a resurgence of interest in the whole region.
Guigal’s so-called cru wines (La Mouline, La Landonne, and La Turque) are dark, dramatic, mouth-fillingly rich and oaky expressions of the syrah grape (supplemented by up to 11 per cent of co-planted viognier in the case of La Mouline); made from low yields of very ripe, late-picked fruit aged for three and a half years in 100 per cent new oak, and bottled without fining or filtration. They are particularly impressive when young and their quality is beyond question, but opinions are divided about their style; purists in particular feel that their character is masked by excessive oak. Reputation and rarity combined (only 400 to 700 cases of each are made each year) have also made them extremely expensive and therefore game for criticism, fair or not. More recent offerings include the more plentiful Côte Rôtie Ch d’Ampuis, La Doriane, a special condrieu, and, from the 2000 vintage, Ermitage Ex Voto. Because of the ballyhoo over his top wines, it is easy to overlook the fact that Guigal’s négociant wines, made substantially from bough tin grapes, arc also very good and deservedly popular.
In 1984 Guigal bought and revitalized the firm of Vidal Fleury, the company where Étienne Guigal worked for 15 years before founding his own. Vidal Fleury is run quite independently of Guigal.
HISTORY
"The history of the GUIGAL family reflects the glory of the wines of the Côte-Rôtie. Three generations working with land over 24 centuries old.»
The Guigal Estate was founded in 1946 by Etienne Guigal in Ampuis, a small ancient village and cradle of the Côte-Rôtie appellation. It shelters a unique vineyard where the vines and the wines have been famous for 2,400 years. Arriving in 1924 at 14 years old, the founder vinfied 67 harvests in Côte-Rôtie and, at the beginning of his career, took part in the development of Vidal-Fleury establishment.
In 1961, although still very young, Marcel Guigal took over management of the Establishment beside his father who was stricken suddenly with total blindness. In 1973, his wife Bernadette joined him and they worked together to develop the family business. In 1975, their son Philippe was born. Today he is the Estate’s winemaker. With his wife Eve by his side, he represents the third generation and continues the family work in the service of the Great Wines of the Rhône Valley.
Since 1946, hard work and perseverence have born fruit and certain events attest to this, notably the purchase of the Vidal-Fleury Establishment in the mid ‘80s. Although belonging to the Guigal Estate, Vidal Fleury maintains commercial and technical autonomy.
Ten years later in 1995 the estate acquired the famous Château d’Ampuis, an important historic and oenological monument whose long history is directly linked to the Côte-Rôtie appellation. An ancient fort built in the 12th century, it was transformed into a Renaissance château in the 16th century. The château is situated amongst the vines and bordered by the king of rivers: the Rhône.
The Château d’Ampuis has become the headquarters of the Guigal Estate whilst the offices and the cellars remain in the ancient small village of Ampuis.
In 2001, the Guigal Estate expanded through the purchase of both the Jean-Louis Grippat Estate in Saint-Joseph and Hermitage and the Vallouit Estate in Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage.
The Guigal Estate vinifies and ages the wines of the Southern Rhône appellations in its cellars in Ampuis. The wines of the great Southern appellations Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Tavel and Côtes-du-Rhône are also aged in these cellars.
In 2006, the Guigal family acquired the Domaine de Bonserine and supports its development although it remains independent from the Guigal Estate.
We are not very far from the first few square metres of the small cellar where Etienne Guigal first laboured, but today there are 3 hectares of cellars and galleries which house barrels, tanks and vats. The history and the soul of the Guigal family are clearly present in these cellars which discretely house the most exceptional wines.
CHATEAU DE D´AMPUIS
As you can see today, the Château d’Ampuis is an ancient fort built in the 12th and 16th centuries surrounded by vines and bordered by the Rhône.
This privileged site has sheltered populations since the paleolithic era but it was during the Roman era in particular that this location underwent elaborate construction and expansion under the name of Villa d’Ampuicius.
With its 12th Century origins and then the first renovation by Pierre d’Ampuy at the beginning of the 14th Century, it is the famous Maugiron family who gave aristocratic credentials to the Château d’Ampuis. The building remained in this family from 1512 to 1755 during which period it played host to several kings of France. Subsequently, the families Harenc de la Condamine and then Cibeins were responsible for ensuring that the château reached the 20th century in a good state of conservation.
Unfortunately, during the 20th century this beautiful building was subject to neglect and fell into a state of disrepair.
Acquired by the Guigal family in 1995, the Château d’Ampuis was then registered as a national historic monument. Since then it has undergone a colossal programme of renovation in order to restore this building to its former glory.
This process has taken nearly 11 years with over 100 people working on the project for over 5 years. The work was overseen by Jean-Gabriel Mortamet, Chief Architect of Historic Monuments and the result is a restoration of the utmost quality.
This jewel of the Renaissance relives today through the Côte-Rôtie vineyards with its prestigious past and bright future assured.
VINEYARD
"Nature can only be managed by obeying its laws" F.Bacon
The Guigal estate owns vineyards in Condrieu and the Côte-Rôtie with plots which produce some of its most exceptional wines including, "La Doriane" in Condrieu, and the famous Côte-Rôtie Crus, "La Mouline", "La Turque", "La Landonne" and the Côte-Rôtie, "Château d’Ampuis".
L’Ermitage "Ex-Voto", product of the mythical terroirs of Hermitage, is produced in the very best vintages only whilst the white and red Saint-Joseph, "Lieu-Dit" wines as well as the famous red Saint-Joseph, "Vignes de l’Hospice" are undisputed benchmarks of quality for the Appellation.
The Guigal establishment vinifies and ages the wines from the Northern Rhône appellations of Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage in its cellars at Ampuis. The prestigious wines of the Southern Rhône appellations of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Tavel and Côtes-du-Rhône are also aged in the cellars at Ampuis.
The methods of viticulture are always in keeping with an omnipresent respect for the environment. Moderate, controlled prevention against illness and vine parasites allows the grapes cultivated on the estate to reveal fully the complexity of the most exceptional terroirs of the Northern Rhône. From generation to generation, the standards of excellence imposed on the selection and vinification processes have enabled the Guigal estate to present the Guigal Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie "Brune & Blonde" as exemplary benchmarks of these two prestigious appellations year after year.
- The Côte-Rôtie vineyards cover an area of about 230 hectares and are composed of the Côte Brune, upstream of the river Reynard and the Côte Blonde, situated down-river. These vines were planted by the Romans nearly 24 centuries ago. The Côte Brune makes its mark in a very masculine way with the nearly exclusive presence of Syrah. As for the Côte Blonde, a very feminine touch is added by the presence of Viognier which brings elegance to the Syrah. Much more than a museum, this vineyard is very much alive, although with yields which are limited intentionally.
In the Côte-Rôtie, the Guigal estate owns several jewels including the famous Côte-Rôtie "La Mouline" situated on the Côte Blonde vineyard which distinguishes itself by its shape which is characteristic of a Roman amphitheatre. In this ancient theater, exceptionally, the enjoyment flows from the tiers to the arena. Situated on the Côte Brune, "La Turque" facing fully South benefits from maximum exposure to the sun and also from a complex terroir made up of Schist and iron oxide which transmit finesse and strength to the wine. With its vertiginous slopes of nearly 45 degrees, "La Landonne" is an extremely impressive vineyard. It is planted solely with Syrah. Finally, the Côte-Rôtie "Château d’Ampuis" is produced from historical plots which are also amongst the very best terroirs of the Guigal estate.
- The Condrieu appellation covers about 150 hectares. Overhanging the right bank of the Rhône, this vineyard is planted exclusively with Viognier, a variety imported from Dalmatia at the beginning of our era. Condrieu "La Doriane" is the jewel in our estate’s crown in this appellation. The Guigal estate also owns vineyards in Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage with prestigious plots and exceptional terroir.
- On the famous Hermitage slopes the red and white Ex-Voto wines, produced only in the very best vintages, emanate from evocatively named plots : Bessards, Hermite, Greffieux, Murets... Only by blending these precious terroirs they can produce the bottle of the selected vintage, as if by magic.
- On the Right bank of the Rhône reign the properties of the Saint-Joseph appellation which previously belonged largely to the estate, Jean-louis Grippat. The Saint-Joseph "Lieu-Dit" planted with old vines, produces quality red and white wines which are undisputable benchmarks for this up-and-coming appellation in the Northern Rhône.
Last but not least, Saint-joseph "Vignes de l’Hospice" is cultivated on a unique slope composed of granite. The vines are literally suspended on the vertiginous slopes which overlook the town of Tournon. This vineyard is a treasure which produces a precious and rare nectar. The Guigal estate comprises a total of around 60 hectares.
COOPERAGE
In the summer of 2003, the Guigal Estate, always determined to improve its knowledge of wine and everything related, launched into a completely new adventure: barrel-making. This artisan craft of their ancestors allows the Estate to master an additional skill in the charm of an historical setting.
In the ancient outbuildings dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries, the cooper crafts, assembles and toasts traditional barrels destined for the ageing of the great wines of the Rhône.
The cooper works full time in the Cooperage of the Château d’Ampuis and makes 18 barrels a week on average in order to fulfill a yearly requirement of around 800 new barrels. In total, the Guigal cellars house around 5000 barrels.
Never dominant, oak reveals the true authenticity of a wine with profound respect for its balance, origins and vintage. Day after day the wine becomes more refined, expressive and full-bodied in the barrel. It waits patiently, sometimes for up to 4 years, for the right moment to be captured and bottled.
Since 1961, the Guigal Estate has never ceased learning in order to ensure it masters the lengthy ageing process of its wines in oak barrels. Each of the best wines of the cellars is aged in new oak barrels only. These traditional methods in the Côte-Rôtie confer a unique status on the GUIGAL Estate as its top wines can be aged for up to four years in oak before bottling.
WINE TASTING
Red Cote-Rotie "La Landonne" E. Guigal - Average Price: 349.00 €
- Soil type: Limestone clay very rich in iron oxyde.
- Grape variety: 100% Syrah.
- Average age of vines: About 35 years.
- Winemaking: Thermoregulated stainless steel tanks. Continuous pumping over. Alcoholic fermentation/ minimum 4 week maceration..
- Ageing: 42 months in new oak.
- Average yield: 35 to 37 Hl / hectare depending upon the vintage.
- Tasting: Eye: Red black with deep dark tints; Nose: Small black fruits, liquorice and roasted notes and oriental spices. Powerful and intense aromas; Palate: Powerful attack with important tannic structure. Rich and concentrated. Fully expressive of the terroir; Overall: Great ageing potential, structured and concentrated with a rare intensity of flavour and colour.
- Consumption: A garder
- Serving temperature: 16°C to 18°C.
- Ageing potential: 35 years ...
- Food and wine matching: Exceptional wine, exceptional food, pheasant, partridge, hare
- Wine Advocate #156 - Dec 2004 - Score : (93-95)
The 2001 Cote Rotie La Landonne exhibits scents of new saddle leather, black truffles, melted road tar, vanilla, blackberries, and licorice in a primitive/Neanderthal style with huge tannin, intense concentration, and nearly mouth-searing firmness and toughness. Extremely powerful, rich, and backward, it will be drinkable between 2011-2030. Drink: 2011 - 2030. Robert Parker.
- Wine Spectator - Web Only - 2011 - Score: 96
Though not as open as the La Mouline, this is is starting to show an impressive range of Turkish coffee, roasted mesquite, singed iron and mulled currant aromas. The densely packed core has blueberry, blackberry and anise in reserve, while the seriously tannic finish may be the longest of the three "La La" wines in this vintage. -Non-blind 2001 Côte-Rôtie retrospective (April 2011). Best from 2019 through 2030. 800 cases made. James Molesworth.
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Jan/Feb 03 - Score : 95-98
Good full ruby. Explosive aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black olive and leather. The densest of these 2001s by far but also surprisingly pliant, and already showing extraordinary inner-mouth perfume of black fruits, black pepper and black olive. Finishes with great spreading tannins and superb lift and length. The perfume lingered for minutes in my empty glass. Another extraordinary La Landonne in the making. Stephen Tanzer.
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Jan/Feb 05 - Score : 94-97
Deep ruby-red. Roasted currant, pepper, minerals and gunflint on the nose, with a distinctly medicinal austerity. Then impressively dense but imploded, with great intensity of dark fruit and pepper flavors. Still a bit youthfully spiky, but very pure, juicy and long. My sample had not been racked since February of 2003 but was not especially reduced. Offers great potential. Stephen Tanzer.
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Jan/Feb 06 - Score : 97
Saturated inky ruby color. Forceful, deeply concentrated nose features remarkably pure aromas of cherry liqueur, fresh blackcurrant, pipe tobacco, truffle, espresso, violet pastille, rose and exotic oak spices. A wine of incredible depth and sweetness, with almost painfully intense dark berry and plum flavors that expand and gain richness as the wine opens in the glass. Sappy and wonderfully long; shows a dense tannic structure but there's so much fruity and spicy intensity that the wine seems downright lush. Exotic Asian spices linger endlessly in the mouth, along with a sweet flavor of creme de mure. Josh Raynolds.
Red Côte-Rôtie "La Turque" E. Guigal - Average Price: € 347
- Soil type: Silicone limestone with schistes producing clay soil rich in iron oxyde.
- Grape variety: 93% Syrah, 7% Viognier.
- Average age of vines: 25 years
- Winemaking: Thermoregulated stainless steel tanks. Automated punching down. Alcoholic fermentation/ 4 week maceration.
- Ageing: 42 months in new oak.
- Average yield: 35 to 37 Hl / hectare depending upon the vintage.
- Tasting: Eye: Deep ruby red with dark tints; Nose: Small red fruit, blackberry, morello cherry Intensely aromatic, powerful and elegant; Palate: Supple attack with a balanced supple structure, concentration and elegant tannins. Fully expressive of the terroir; Overall: With all the virility of the Côte Brune, La Turque also has all the subtlety and femininity of the Côte Blonde.
- Consumption: A garder
- Serving temperature: 16°C to 18°C.
- Ageing potential: 25 years ...
- Food and wine matching: Exceptional wine, exceptional food, pheasant, partridge, hare
- Wine Advocate #156 - Dec 2004 - Score: (95-97)
Meaty and rich, with notes of Asian spices, espresso roast, creosote, blackberries, and cherries, the 2001 Cote Rotie La Turque is an earthy, powerful, tannic effort with a long, heady, rich finish, and crisper acids than the 2000. Give it 5-8 years of cellaring, and consume it over the following 20-25 years. Drink: 2004 - 2029. Robert Parker.
- Wine Spectator - Web Only - 2011 - Score: 96
This is still rather shuttered, with coffee and dark tarry grip up front holding the core of roasted fig, bay leaf, dark olive and anise in check. There's terrific underlying grip perfectly embedded in the fleshy fruit, and the length is very impressive, despite how tight this still is. Patience.—Non-blind 2001 Côte-Rôtie retrospective (April 2011). Best from 2013 through 2030. 350 cases made. James Molesworth.
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Jan/Feb 03 - Score: 94-96
Ruby-red, a bit less saturated than the Mouline. Extremely primary aromas of bitter cherry, flowers and licorice; still a baby. Then dense and sweet if a bit unformed, with grapey flavors of griotte cherry and spices. Wonderfully fresh and extremely long on the aftertaste. Stephen Tanzer.
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Jan/Feb 05 - Score: 93-96
Medium ruby-red. More reticent but wilder aromas of raw currant, black cherry, leather, brown spices and game. Sharply delineated flavors of black cherry, licorice and leather. This is vertical while the 2001 La Mouline is horizontal. A wine of great clarity and thrust, and a brilliant expression of this two-acre parcel. Finishes with captivating brown spice character. Stephen Tanzer.
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Jan/Feb 06 - Score: 94
Deep red. Wilder, more earthy and more powerful on the nose than the Mouline, with aromas of bitter cherry, creme de mure, fruity dark chocolate, licorice candy, espresso and pungent violet. Dense and broad on the palate, the cherry compote and blackcurrant flavors complicated by dense, dark tones of coffee, high-octane chocolate and black truffle. Quite solid but also lush, sweet and broad on the finish, with hints of complex flowers and herbs. Packs a real tannic punch, but the tannins are thoroughly buffered by the wine's material. Definitely the most sauvage of the trio of '01s right now. Josh Raynolds.
Red Cote-Rotie "La Mouline" E. Guigal - Average Price: 335,00 €
- Soil type: Terraced wines in the shape of a Roman amphitheatre. Gneis with lighly coloured silicone soil with limestone lœss.
- Grape variety: 89% Syrah, 11% Viognier.
- Average age of vines: about 75 years
- Winemaking: Thermoregulated stainless steel tanks. Traditional pumping over. Alcoholic fermentation/ 4 week maceration..
- Ageing: 42 months in new oak
- Average yield: 35 to 37 Hl / hectare depending upon the vintage.
- Tasting: Eye : Ruby red with red vermillion tints; Nose : Small red fruits, blackberry and floral violet aromas.Intensely aromatic, powerful but full of finesse; Palate : Supple with balance between the finesse of the aromas and an explosive richness due to the concentration of the wine. Greatly expressive of the terroir; Overall : A feminine wine with voluptuous silky texture and intense aromas.
- Consumption: A garder
- Serving temperature: 16°C to 18°C.
- Ageing potential: 20 years.
- Food and wine matching: Exceptional wine, exceptional food, pheasant, partridge …
- Wine Advocate #156 - Dec 2004 - Score: 94-97)
More tannic and concentrated than the 2000, the 2001 La Mouline reveals notes of smoky bacon fat intertwined with acacia flowers, blackberries, raspberries, and a hint of espresso. Full-bodied, deep, rich, and extraordinarily perfumed, but with a backward, firm, tannic finish, it should be at its peak between 2010-2023. Drink: 2010 - 2023. Robert Parker.
- Wine Spectator - Web Only - 2011 - Score: 95
This is starting to open up, with spice-gilded layers of raspberry, blackberry and black currant fruit all woven with ample but silky tannins and backed by flashes of mocha, licorice snap and incense. The rich, powerful finish has a gorgeous velvety feel as it expands easily with air.—Non-blind 2001 Côte-Rôtie retrospective (April 2011). Drink now through 2026. 400 cases made. James Molesworth.
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Jan/Feb 03 - Score : 92-95
Full ruby. Grapey, raw aromas of blackberry, mocha and tree bark, lifted by a floral topnote. Already sappy and wonderfully aromatic in the middle palate, with notes of game and pepper. Conveys an almost salty impression of extract. Shows the smooth tannins of La Mouline. Stephen Tanzer.
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Jan/Feb 05 - Score : 94-97
Deep ruby-red. Superripe, slightly reduced aromas of cough medicine, bacon fat, woodsmoke and pepper. Superconcentrated and lush, with the peppery quality leavening the impression of sweetness. A wonderfully velvety wine that also boasts terrific inner-mouth energy and grip. Offers superb depth of dark fruit flavors and a compellingly long, building, chocolatey aftertaste. A great showing. Stephen Tanzer.
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Jan/Feb 06 - Score : 96
Dark red color. Pungently floral aromas meld smoky red berries, exotic rose petal, dried lavender and magnolia blossom. Dense and extremely sweet, showing an explosive array of red fruit flavors along with exotic floral and sweet tobacco tones and an overlay of smoky bacon and bonfires. A bright mineral tone sharpens the fruit, adding focus and precision to the flavors. The finish builds and deepens but maintains superb elegance and silkiness of texture, finishing on notes of wild red berries and rose oil. Josh Raynolds.
Red Ermitage "Ex-Voto" E. Guigal - Average Price 232 €
- Soil type: Steep sloped vineyards. " Bessards " 30% of the area. Granite. 0.65 Ha " Greffieux " 30% of the area. Calloutis du würm. 0.65 Ha " Murands " 20% of the area. Alluvia fluvio-glaciaires and pebbles. 0.45 Ha " Hermite " 20% of the area loess plateau and clay sand silt. 0.45 Ha
- Grape variety: 100% Syrah.
- Average age of vines: 40 to 90 years
- Winemaking: Pumping over in thermo regulated stainless steel tanks.. Alcoholic fermentation/ 4 week maceration.
- Ageing: 42 months in new oak.
- Average yield: 35 Hl / hectare.
- Tasting: Eye: Deep dark ruby colour with mauve tints; Nose: Black fruits, leather, liquorice, coffee flavour and oriental spices; Palate: Powerful attack with richness and an important tannic structure. This wine expression fully the terroir trough its finesse and the strength of its tannins; Overall : Great ageing potential, structured and concentrated with a rare intensity of flavour and colour.
Our comment. Produced only in exceptional vintages, the Ermitage Ex-Voto is the expression of a sincere desire to own vines in the Hermitage appellation and to produce an exceptional wine which reflects the soul of this prestigious appellation of the Rhône Valley.
- Consumption: A boire/à garder
- Serving temperature: 16°C to 18°C.
- Ageing potential: 35 years ...
- Food and wine matching: Game...
- Wine Advocate #156 - Dec 2004 - Score : (94-96)
The debut release of the Hermitage Ex-Voto, the spectacular 2001 spent 42 months in new French oak. Produced from four vineyard sites, l’Hermite, Les Murets, Les Greffieux, and Les Bessards, it boasts an amazingly thick purple color as well as a rich, sumptuous bouquet of smoke, licorice, creme de cassis, and earth. Full-bodied and rich, with good acidity and magnificent concentration, this is a tour de force in red Hermitage. Given its high tannin and crisp acidity, it will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2040. Drink: 2015 - 2040. Robert Parker.
- Wine Spectator - Aug 31, 2005 - Score: 95
A fantastic beam of raspberry ganache courses through, while cocoa, mineral, cigar smoke, graphite and grilled beef notes bounce around. Ironclad tannins that are also incredibly racy take over on the finish. A very powerful wine with a long life ahead. Best from 2008 through 2025. 1,000 cases made. Designation: Collectibles. James Molesworth.
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Jan/Feb 05 - Score : 94-96
Saturated medium ruby. Knockout nose combines superripe, liqueur-like black- and redcurrant, gunflint, pepper, leather, game and chocolate. Huge, spicy and rich, with outstanding sweetness and depth of flavor. A massive but well-delineated Hermitage that finishes with extraordinarily suave tannins. Built for two decades of development in bottle. Stephen Tanzer.
Red Côte-Rôtie "Château d'Ampuis" E. Guigal - Average Price: €100
- Soil type: 7 exceptional terroirs : Le Clos "Côte Blonde", La Garde "Côte Blonde", La Grande Plantée "Côte Blonde", La Pommière "Côte Brune", Le Pavillon Rouge "Côte Brune". Le Moulin "Côte Brune" La Viria "Côte Brune"
- Grape variety: 95% Syrah, 5% Viognier.
- Average age of vines: 50 years Vines planted in the 16th century.
- Winemaking: Closed stainless steel tanks. Temperature controlled alcoholic fermentation, 4 week maceration..
- Ageing: 38 months in new oak.
- Average yield: 35 Hl / hectare.
- Tasting: Eye: Deep dark colour with mauve tints; Nose: Spices, black fruits and delicate oak aromas. A dense, expressive and intense nose; Palate: A tannic and racy wine. Aromas of prunes, blackberry and vanilla. Powerful, concentrated and structured palate; Overall: A wine from a tannic and muscular vintage due to the hot climate. Solid tannins, well rounded by long oak ageing.
- Consumption: A boire/à garder
- Serving temperature: 16°C to 18°C.
- Ageing potential: 20 years
- Food and wine matching: Game, red meat and cheese.
- Wine Advocate #156 - Dec 2004 - Score : (91-95)
Tasting through the six components of the 2001 Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis suggests a wine with far greater depth, more structure, higher acidity than the 2000, and a long, heady finish. All six parcels were rated between 89 and 96 points. Robert Parker.
- Wine Spectator - Web Only - 2011 - Score: 88
Surprisingly mature, with overt roasted applewood and a hint of aged balsamic giving way to roasted plum, fig and blackberry notes and a slightly soft, Turkish coffee- and caramel-tinged finish. More advanced than expected.—Non-blind 2001 Côte-Rôtie retrospective (April 2011). Drink now through 2014. 2,500 cases made. James Molesworth.
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Jan/Feb 05 - Score : 94
Superripe aromas of pepper, chocolate and menthol. Wonderfully deep flavors of cherries and spice. A very fresh, elegant wine with compelling sweetness but also excellent backbone. Really coats the palate on the very long aftertaste, finishing with strong spiciness and great lift. This makes the Guigal 2000 La-La wines seem almost soft by comparison. Stephen Tanzer.
Red Côte-Rôtie "Brune & Blonde de Guigal" E. Guigal - Average Price 50 €
- Soil type: Plots on steep slopes Côte Blonde : Silicone limestone soil Côte Brune : soil rich in iron oxyde
- Grape variety: 96% Syrah, 4% Viognier.
- Average age of vines: 35 years
- Winemaking: Closed stainless steel tanks. Automatic punching down and temperature controlled fermentaion. Average 3 weeks in tanks.
- Ageing: 36 months in oak barrels - 40% new oak
- Average yield: 38 Hl/ hectare.
- Average annual production: 250.000 bottles.
- Tasting: Eye: Dark ruby red; Nose: Spices, red berries and delicate oak aromas; Palate: Round soft tannins. Aromas of rasberry, blackberry and vanilla; Overall : Balance between scarcely perceptible acidity and tannins which add ageing potential and softened by long ageing in oak.
- Consumption: A boire/à garder
- Serving temperature: 16°C to 18°C
- Ageing potential: 20 years
- Food and wine matching: Small game, red meat and cheese.
- Wine Advocate # 156 - Dec 2004 - Score : 87-88
The 2001 Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde exhibits an herb and tapenade-scented nose with hints of smoke, bacon fat, red currants, raspberries, and figs. It is a delicious, medium-bodied 2001 to drink over the next 5-7 years. Robert Parker
- Wine Spectator - Issue: Web Only - 2011 - Score: 90
A textbook version, with roasted sage, sweet tapenade, sandalwood, mulled cherry and black currant fruit notes all melded together. The solid finish is juicy and nicely rounded. Non-blind 2001 Côte-Rôtie retrospective (April 2011). Drink now. 20,830 cases made. James Molesworth
Red St-Joseph "Vignes de l'Hospice" E. Guigal- €67
- Soil type: Steep vineyards on a granite slope.
- Grape variety: 100% Syrah.
- Average age of vines: 20 to 80 years old.
- Winemaking: Temperature controlled alcoholic fermentation up to 33°C.
- Ageing: 30 months in new oak barrels.
- Average yield: 30Hl/ hectare.
- Tasting: Eye: Deep red; Nose: Complex with dominant black fruit and delicate oak aromas. A pure and intense nose; Palate: A powerful attack. Powerful, round and elegant tannins; Overall : Originating from a geological formation similar to the famous Bessards slopes in Hermitage, this Saint-Joseph has all the finess of the appellation and the strength of its neighbour accross the river.
This wine originates from a monopoly of the best terroirs adjoining what were previously the Jean-Louis GRIPPAT and VALLOUIT estates. This is a unique expression of the most impressive and exclusive slopes of the Saint-Joseph appellation.
- Consumption: A boire
- Serving temperature: 16°C to 18°C.
- Ageing potential: 10 years.
- Food and wine matching: Red meat, game and cheese.
- Wine Spectator - Apr 30, 2006 - Score: 90
Excellent concentration for 2002, with dark currant, blackberry and bramble flavors supported by dark cocoa, toast and mineral notes. Slightly firm finish, but plenty of flesh here. Best from 2007 through 2015. 300 cases made. James Molesworth.
White Condrieu "La Doriane" E. Guigal - Average Price: €67
- Soil type: Vineyards on very steep terraces. "Côte Chatillon" CONDRIEU Shale, silicone limestone 1 ha "Colombier" ST MICHEL SUR RHÔNE Granite, sand. 1 ha " Volan " ST PIERRE DE BOEUF Granit with iron oxyde. 1 ha " Coteau de Chéry" CONDRIEU. 0,5 ha
- Grape variety: 100% Viognier.
- Average age of vines: 35 years
- Winemaking: A wine made and matured exclusively in new oak barrels for 9 months. 100% malolactic fermentation.
- Ageing: New oak only
- Average yield: 35 Hl / hectare.
- Average annual production: About 10.000 bottles.
- Tasting: Eye: Brilliant clear pale golden yellow; Nose: White flowers, apricot, white peaches. Intensely powerful and elegant aromas; Palate: Freshness, round, rich and full-bodied. Fully expressive of the terroir. Great finesse and freshness; Overall: A pleasant light acidity is well balanced with round fleshy fruitiness.
- Consumption: A boire
- Serving temperature: 12°C to 13°C.
- Ageing potential: About 5 years.
- Food and wine matching: Aperitif, foie gras or scrambled egg and truffles. Delicate fish.
- Wine Advocate #182 - Apr 2009 - Score: 96
The 2006 Condrieu La Doriane reveals a classic honeysuckle scent interwoven with touches of smoke and apricot marmalade. Full-bodied, intense, and complex with undeniable minerality, this is a sensational wine to enjoy over the next year. Robert Parker.
- Wine Spectator - Mar 31, 2008 - Score: 94
Still a bit tight, with alluring hints of warm brioche and wheat biscuit giving slowly to richer notes of nut oil, papaya, almond butter and carmelized figs. Long, richly detailed finish should open up nicely with mid-term cellaring. Great combination of richness and purity. Drink now through 2013. 1,200 cases made. James Molesworth.
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Jan/Feb 08 - Score : 92
Yellow-gold. Deep, smoky and ripe on the nose, with powerful peach, ginger and citrus pith aromas. Smoky orchard fruit and citrus flavors are impressively concentrated and complemented by toasty vanillin oak and exotic spices. Finishes long and sappy, with a lingering licorice quality. A fleshy, dense midweight with major fruit concentration, but I imagine that some will be bothered by the oak element. Josh Raynolds.
Red St-Joseph "Lieu dit" - E. Guigal - Average Price: €36
- Soil type: Steep sloped vineyards. Gneiss with granite streaks
- Grape variety: 100% Syrah.
- Average age of vines: 20 to 75 years
- Winemaking: Temperature controlled alcoholic fermentation up to 33°C.
- Ageing: 50% new oak barrels. 50% barrels of one wine.
- Average yield: 35 Hl / hectare.
- Tasting: Eye: Deep red; Nose: Complex with dominant black fruit and delicate oak aromas. A pure and intense nose; Palate: A powerful attack. Round and elegant tannins; Overall : A veritable success. Fresh and powerful. Will become more refined with age.
This wine is a unique expression of the excellence of the lieu-dit "Saint-Joseph" appellation and these vineyards are from amongst the very best of this up-and-coming appellation in the northern Côtes-du-Rhône. These very slopes lent their name to the Saint-Joseph appellation when it was created. The label was designed by Roger PFUND, a Franco-Swiss artist who is a specialist in the design of bank notes.
- Consumption: A boire
- Serving temperature: 16°C to 18°C.
- Ageing potential: 10 years
- Food and wine matching: Red meat, game and cheese.
- Wine Spectator - May 15, 2005 - Score: 85
Good black cherry fruit, if a bit crisp, with modest toast and tobacco notes. Slightly firm finish. Drink now. 800 cases made. James Molesworth.
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Jan/Feb 05 - Score: 89
Good ruby-red. Rich but youthfully unevolved aromas of cherry, chocolate, black licorice, mint, gunflint and spicy oak. Surprisingly rich and broad for the vintage, with sweet, slightly rustic raspberry and cherry fruit flavors lifted by pepper and flint. Finishes with peppery tannins and impressive length for the vintage. I'm not sure I would have identified this as a 2002. Stephen Tanzer.