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 Hermitage is a red wine that embodies the elegance and complexity of the Northern Rhône region in France. With a deep, opaque violet color, this wine is visually striking and promises a sensory experience that matches its appearance.

On the nose, the aromas are highly perfumed and captivating. Ripe cherry, dark berry preserves, candied flowers, and smoky minerals intermingle, creating a bouquet that is both enticing and complex. As the wine opens up, these aromas become even more pronounced, revealing their true depth and character.

Upon tasting, the 2018 Guigal Hermitage showcases its medium to full-bodied nature with a velvety texture that caresses the palate. The tannins are well-integrated, providing structure and balance to the wine. Flavors of spice-tinged bitter cherry, blackberry, licorice, and fruitcake emerge, adding layers of depth and complexity.

Reviewers have praised this wine for its outstanding qualities. Wine Spectator notes its showy side, with expressive singed vanilla, alder, and mocha notes leading the way. Jeb Dunnuck describes it as terrific, with a concentrated yet wonderfully elegant profile, offering complex notes of darker fruits, pepper, cured meats, and leather. James Suckling highlights its succulent and clear character, with lovely black fruit and earthy spice. Vinous praises its broad mouthfeel, spice-tinged flavors, and strong tenacity.

While the 2018 Guigal Hermitage is already a pleasure to drink, it also has the potential for short-term cellaring and can continue to improve with age. With its well-structured nature and balanced flavors, it has the potential to keep for 15+ years.

Overall, the 2018 Guigal Hermitage is an excellent bottle of wine that embodies the essence of the Northern Rhône region. Its complexity, elegance, and depth make it a standout choice for wine enthusiasts looking to explore the beauty of Syrah from this renowned appellation.