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.
96-98 Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate
The fabulous 2005 Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis is a resounding success. This is the first vintage where Guigal’s newest acquisition, the Syrah from the Viria Vineyard (essentially a fourth single vineyard), is included in the blend. Dark ruby/purple to the rim, it boasts an extraordinary bouquet of ground pepper, creme de cassis, blackberries, coffee, bacon fat, and herbs. With outstanding concentration, huge tannin, and massive intensity as well as extract, it needs 7-8 years of cellaring, and should keep for 30-35 years.