E. Guigal Gigondas 2021
(Southern Rhone Valley, France) - [JS 92] [WA 92] [WS 92]

The Property:
The E. Guigal Estate was founded in 1946 by Etienne Guigal, in Ampuis. His son, Marcel, took over in 1961. Today, the 3rd generation, Marcel’s son Philippe, continues the legacy and values of this iconic family house in the Rhône Valley.

With vineyards in Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Hermitage, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Saint-Joseph, and Crozes-Hermitage, the E. Guigal estate oversees a mosaic of vineyards located in numerous appellations that form a range of wines of impeccable quality.

Over the vintages, the E. Guigal house has experienced strong development, notably becoming the owner in 1995 of the famous Château d’Ampuis, as well as several wine estates (Jean-Louis Grippat, Domaine de Vallouit, Domaine de Bonserine and Château de Nalys, in Châteauneuf-du-Pape).

The Vineyard:
The vineyards of Gigondas are planted on hillsides at the foot of Mont Ventoux, directly north-east of the town of Orange in the southern Rhône Valley. The dry, stony slopes produce substantial wines that are deep in color, with flavors of ripe summer fruits and savory herbs.

Vinification and Aging:
Guigal selects wines from small domaines to produce a blend which is true to the appellation, yet polished, refined, and capable of aging many years. The wines see a traditional lengthy maceration and two years of aging in oak foudres, of which 50% are new.

Blend: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre

Tasting Notes:

With an intense nose of stone fruit and savory garrigue, the wine proves to be generous and elegant, offering cranberry and cherry notes accented by clove and allspice.

Ratings & Reviews:

92 Points - James Suckling:
"Aromas of sweet cherries, raspberries and roasted meat. This driven, succulent and vivid Gigondas is medium-bodied with creamy tannins. Velvety texture with comforting fruit and a focused, flavorful and persistent finish."

92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The Guigal family crafted an elegant, attractive 2021 Gigondas that offers aromas of lilac, flowers, mulberries and dark berries. Medium- to full-bodied, sappy and suave, it's enrobing, with a juicy core of fruit, sweet tannins and good depth at the core, concluding with a long, perfumed finish."

92 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Smoldering incense and sweet red fruit introduce this riper red, with a plush, glossy texture and elegance despite the ripeness. Mulberry and juniper detail the smoky, graphite-edged finish, which is firm and focused. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre."