Guigal is the most famous produer in Côte Rôtie and one of the finest in the Rhône Valley. It was founded in 1946 by Etienne Guigal, following his departure from Vidal-Fleury, where he had worked for just under twenty years. His son, Marcel, joined the company in 1961 and is now the head of the company.
Guigal pioneered the notion of single vineyard Côte Rôties and his 3 most famous wines, La Landonne, La Mouline and La Turque are amongst the most sought after wines in the world today.
Marcel Guigal’s attitude to winemaking is typical of the simple genius that one seems to stumble upon when looking at any of the world’s greatest winemakers – low yields, organic viticulture and little or no intervention in the cellars – in short, a respect for nature and a passion for the wine itself.
99 Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate
One of the treats when tasting through the profound Côte Rôties made by Marcel Guigal was the opportunity to taste all of the bottled 1995’s. Reviewed in previous issues, they are even better from bottle than they were during their upbringing (a characteristic of many Guigal wines). The 1995 Côte Rôtie la Mouline is the stuff of legends and is every bit as compelling as readers might expect. (RP)
99 Points Jane Anson
La Mouline is one of the top wines produced by Guigal, along side La Turque and La Landonne – collectively they are affectionately known as the LaLas. The grapes come from vines located on the steep hillside of the Côte Blonde, with the average age of between 50-100 years. Production is an extremely small 400-700 cases per annum. One of those moments when the reality of a wine more than lives up to the myth. The 11% viognier in the mix brings a violet-filled perfume and delicacy that caresses the inside of your mouth, aligned to the power, liqourice and spice of a sun-filled Côte-Rôtie syrah. Be prepared to sit back after each sip and let the achievement of this wine wash over you. Astonishingly good now, but will age further. (JA)