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 2018 Guigal Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde is a stunning red wine hailing from the esteemed Cote Rotie appellation in the Northern Rhone region of France. Crafted by the renowned producer Guigal, this wine showcases the exceptional quality and character of Syrah grapes grown in this unique terroir.

In the glass, this wine presents a deep, opaque violet color, hinting at its intensity and concentration. On the nose, it immediately captivates with a symphony of aromas. Leather, smoked bacon, spices, and black cherry all intertwine, creating a complex and enticing bouquet. With each swirl, the aromas become more pronounced, inviting you to explore further.

On the palate, the 2018 Guigal Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde delivers a rich and fleshy experience. The texture is silky, thanks to the fine tannins that lend structure and elegance. Flavors of cherry, red currant paste, and blackberry unfold on the palate, accompanied by notes of alder, incense, and singed tobacco. The oak treatment is skillfully integrated, adding depth and complexity to the wine. A touch of red tea and perfume lingers on the finish, leaving a lasting impression.

This wine has received high praise from critics, and it's easy to see why. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it an impressive 94 points, noting its elegance, finesse, and beautiful fruit. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it a score of 91, highlighting its charm and abundance of cherries and berries. Wine Spectator awarded it 93 points, praising its oak treatment and well-executed balance.

The 2018 Guigal Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde is approachable and enjoyable now, but it also has the structure to age gracefully. It is recommended to drink it between 2022 and 2034, but it will continue to evolve and delight for years to come. Whether you choose to savor it now or cellar it for a special occasion, this wine is a true gem from the Rhone region.