E. Guigal Cote-Rotie Brune Et Blonde De Guigal Syrah 2020

"Seductive, smoky notes of grilled bacon, ripe cherries and blueberries emerge on the nose of the 2020 Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde. Full-bodied and reasonably concentrated, it finishes with an elegant wash of silky tannins. It appears reasonably forward and should be approachable soon after release." - 93 PTS, WINE ADVOCATE

"A polished, modern style, with a rush of black fruit, bitter cherry and incense layered with smoldering tobacco and cigar box. Succulent acidity races through, bringing balance to the svelte, smoky finish. Syrah and Viognier. Drink now through 2034." - 93 PTS, WINE SPECTATOR (03/2024)

"2020 Côte Rôtie Brune Et Blonde is a winner, and readers could do much worse than a case of this in the cellar. Ripe black raspberries, spring flowers, smoke, and some meaty nuances all shine here, and it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, fine tannins, and ample charm and character." - 93 PTS, JEB DUNNUCK (04/2024)

IMPORTER NOTES:

WINE OVERVIEW: "Guigal is synonymous with the Côte-Rôtie area, for bringing this great wine region to prominence, and for owning three times as much land as next largest land-owner, vinifying 1/3 of the total appellation, and unquestionably holding the finest sites in this tiny, special area. The incredible Syrah from this area, co-fermented with a touch of Viognier, has tremendously balanced concentration, depth and finesse."

TECHNICAL INFO:

VARIETY: 96% Syrah, 4% Viognier
VINEYARD: Steeply terraced hillsides overlooking the Rhône; a blend of the Côte Brune (dark, iron-rich soils with some clay) and the Côte Blonde (paler, with sand and limestone)
WINEMAKING: Vineyard lots are co-fermented in stainless steel for three weeks
AGING: 36 months in oak, 50% new, coopered by Guigal at the Château d’Ampuis
ABV 14%

WINERY OVERVIEW: “The more you learn about the Guigal family, the more astounding becomes their story. Their wines are the benchmarks for every Rhône appellation, and over the last thirty years they have become arguably the most lauded producer in the world. Year after year the Guigal family produces wines of exceptional quality that in all classes offer exceptional value.”