The Guigal Estate was founded in 1946 by Etienne Guigal in Ampuis, a small ancient village and cradle of the Cote-Rotie appellation. It shelters a unique vineyard where the vines and the wines have been famous for 2,400 years. Arriving in the region in 1924 at the age of 14, Etienne began his career at Vidal-Fleury, participating in its development and working his way up to the position of cellar-master before leaving to establish his own company. He has vinified 67 harvests in Cote-Rotie.

In 1961, although still very young, Marcel Guigal took over management of the establishment from 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 and is today the estate’s winemaker. With his wife Eve, he represents the third generation to continue the family business, in the service of the great wines of the Rhone Valley.

Their hard work and perseverance enabled them to purchase the Vidal-Fleury Establishment in the mid ‘80s and in 1995, they acquired the famous Chateau d’Ampuis, an ancient fort built in the 12th century, later repurposed into a Renaissance chateau during the 16th century. In a state of neglect and terrible disrepair, Guigal has taken on a colossal renovation, spanning nearly 11 years with over 100 people working on the project.

The Chateau d’Ampuis has become the headquarters of the Guigal Estate while the offices and the cellars remain in the ancient small village of Ampuis. While their vineyards span the length and breadth of what the Rhone Valley offers, the heart of the winery’s production is still Cote-Rotie, whose ultimate expression can be found in Guigal’s most famous releases: La Landonne, La Turque, and La Mouline.

The 2010 Guigal Cote Rotie la Turque is a truly exceptional wine that embodies the essence of the Rhone region in France. With its deep red color and enticing aromas, it immediately captivates the senses and promises a remarkable tasting experience.

On the nose, this wine reveals a complex bouquet of ganache, warm tobacco leaf, espresso, and singed juniper. These aromatic notes set the stage for what is to come. As you take your first sip, an immense core of macerated plum, fig, and blackberry fruit flavors unfolds on the palate, creating a symphony of taste sensations. The wine's remarkable depth and intensity are complemented by a velvety texture and well-integrated tannins.

The finish of the 2010 Guigal Cote Rotie la Turque is nothing short of spectacular. It lingers on the palate, cutting a broad swath with smoldering charcoal and iron details. This wine has a long aging potential, and it is recommended to wait until at least 2017 to fully appreciate its complexity. However, for those who simply can't resist, it can still be enjoyed now with decanting.

Renowned wine critic Jeb Dunnuck awarded this wine a perfect score of 100 points, stating that it represents the pinnacle of red wine. He describes it as a powerful, masculine wine with ripe blackberry and cassis fruits interwoven with gorgeous floral, gamey, bloody, and exotic aromas and flavors.

The 2010 Guigal Cote Rotie la Turque is truly a masterpiece from the Guigal estate. It showcases the best that the Northern Rhone has to offer and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on any wine enthusiast lucky enough to experience it. This is a wine that demands attention and reverence, and it will continue to evolve and delight for decades to come.