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.

This wine is named for the historic Chateau d’Ampuis estate which the Guigal family acquired in 1995. It is produced from 7 exceptional terroirs where vine age averages 50 years, showcasing the best that Cote-Rotie has to offer. The wine is a blend of 93% Syrah and 7% Viognier, aged for 38 months in new oak.

The 2013 Guigal Cote Rotie Chateau d'Ampuis, hailing from the renowned Rhone Valley of France, is a masterful exemplification of the Syrah varietal. As a red of the Northern Rhone sub-region, it brings forth the distinctive characteristics of its terroir with aplomb. Originating from the esteemed house of Guigal, its pedigree is undeniable.

In the glass, this wine presents a vibrant, ruby red hue, a visual prelude to the sensory exploration that awaits. On the nose, it offers an intriguing mix of flinty and smoky elements. Noteworthy notes of coal smoke, praline, and boot polish intermingle with the robust aromas of red and dark plums, creating an impressively complex and detailed bouquet.

On the palate, this 2013 vintage makes a commanding statement. Assertive tannins, deeply ripe and fluid, drive through the wine's profile, carrying the dark plum fruits throughout. A warming finish of mocha serves as a fitting closure to this intricate wine.

This wine is still youthful and tight, with a compact core of steeped currant and plum fruit flavors, laced liberally with singed alder, leather, and tar. It promises a rewarding evolution in the cellar, with potential to unfold beautifully over the next decade or more. Its alcohol content is moderate at 13.5%, and it's sealed with a traditional cork closure.

Garnering high praise from critics, the 2013 Guigal Cote Rotie Chateau d'Ampuis has been described as having 'masculine' elements yet to knit together, suggestive of its potential for further development. With a solid rating in the mid-90s from wine experts such as Wine Spectator, James Suckling, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, and Jancis Robinson, this is an excellent choice for those seeking a wine with depth, complexity, and long-term cellaring potential.