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 2019 Guigal Cote Rotie la Mouline is a captivating and complex red wine hailing from the prestigious region of Cote Rotie in the Northern Rhone of France. Crafted by the esteemed producer Guigal, this wine showcases the incredible potential of the Syrah varietal in this terroir. With a deep and alluring red color, this wine immediately captivates the eye and invites you to explore its intricate layers.

On the nose, there is an enticing touch of currant that gives a ripe impression, accompanied by alluring aromatics that lie beneath the dominant notes of cola oak. It is a powerful and structured wine that demands attention. As you delve deeper into the wine, you will discover the complexity and depth it possesses. With gneiss and loess soils from the lieu-dit Côte Blonde, this wine offers a unique expression of the terroir.

The palate of the 2019 Guigal Cote Rotie la Mouline is dominated by intense oak and alcohol, which combine to create a sweet effect on the finish. However, it is important to note that with time, the attractive aromatics hidden beneath the oak will reveal themselves, adding further layers of complexity. This wine has been fermented in stainless steel and aged for an impressive 40 months in new oak barriques.

Renowned wine critic Jeb Dunnuck awarded this wine a perfect score of 100 points, describing it as a bigger and richer Cote Rotie. Co-fermented with a solid portion of Viognier, this full-bodied wine offers a kaleidoscope-like bouquet of bloody black and blue fruits, tapenade, salted meat, woodsmoke, and a touch of violets. It presents a layered and multi-dimensional mouthfeel, supported by plenty of structure and a remarkable finish.

Cote Rotie La Mouline has also garnered high praise from other critics, including a score of 98 points from Jeff Leve, who highlights the opulent nature of the wine and its exotically textured, silky, elegant, and refined fruits. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it 96 points, praising its elegance and supreme charm.

With its impressive scores and accolades, the 2019 Guigal Cote Rotie la Mouline is a wine that demands attention. It is a wine that will age gracefully, and Philippe Guigal himself compares it to the esteemed 1988 vintage. With its complexity, power, and elegance, this wine is truly a masterpiece from Cote Rotie. Enjoy it now or cellar it for several decades to witness its full potential.