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.

Introducing the extraordinary 2019 Guigal Cote Rotie la Turque, a wine that embodies the essence of the Northern Rhone region in France. This magnificent red wine is crafted from the Syrah grape, showcasing the true potential of this varietal in the Cote Rotie appellation.

In the glass, the wine reveals a deep, dark red color that is reminiscent of its powerful and intense character. The nose is an invitation to a sensory journey, with its enticing aromas of ripe black fruits, spices, smoked meats, and a captivating oceanic influence. The bouquet is further enhanced by notes of star anise, cinnamon, and vanilla, adding a layer of complexity and intrigue.

On the palate, the 2019 Guigal Cote Rotie la Turque demonstrates its greatness and sheer brilliance. Full-bodied and well-balanced, this wine displays a remarkable concentration of flavors, coating the palate with layers of luscious fruit. The weight and energy of the wine are evident, creating a sense of power and liveliness that lingers long after each sip.

Renowned wine critic Jeb Dunnuck was blown away by this vintage, awarding it an exceptional score of 100 points. He described it as having a smoky, meaty, and gamey profile, with remarkable purity and flawless balance. Dunnuck predicts that this wine will demand 10-15 years of bottle age to fully reveal its potential.

Other esteemed critics have also praised the 2019 Guigal Cote Rotie la Turque. Jeff Leve awarded it 99 points, emphasizing its wow factor and its ability to hold your focus for over 60 seconds. Decanter gave it a score of 95, recognizing its high level of spiciness and serious structure. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a perfect score of 100 points, hailing it as an outrageous juxtaposition of characters. Vinous awarded it 97 points, highlighting its bright and energetic nature, complex flavors, and long, smooth finish. James Suckling rated it 98 points, noting its stony personality, concentration, and enchanting whole.

This wine is a true masterpiece from Guigal, showcasing their craftsmanship and dedication to producing exceptional wines. While it can be enjoyed now, it is recommended to cellar this wine for several years to allow it to evolve and reach its full potential. The 2019 Guigal Cote Rotie la Turque is a wine that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on any wine enthusiast fortunate enough to experience it.