Score : 93/100
The Domaine E. Guigal is a wine producer from the Rhone Valley in France, based for many generations in the Northern where the winery is located (in Ampuis).
They produce some of the most reputable wines in the area, from the Côte-Rôtie appellation in particular (along with Condrieu whites, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and others).
Like many Côte-Rôtie wines, the ‘Brune et Blonde‘ by Guigal is a blend of red and white grapes: 96% Syrah, 4 % Viognier.
Tasting Notes:
The wine is black, garnet, not overall absolutely dark the hue is nearly-black red.
The aromatic intensity if simply outstanding. Spices of great depth and complexity literally jump out of the glass. It seems that the wine and the oak speak simultaneously in a powerful spiced up expression that is simply stunning as you smell it.
Clove, nutmeg, black pepper, and many more spices aromas live frantically around cooked fruit notes, red cherry, strawberry jam and other fruity notes. They all work together to form an exceptionally rich bouquet, a myriad of hearty, warm and spicy smells.
On the palate, the wine is remarkably smooth. Dense tannic texture, but tannins are fine and refined. Solid body with a little warming alcohol underline and amplify the powerful flavors. The myriad of notes perceived on the nose, seem on the palate to become civilized. Each wait for its turn to be revealed to your senses as you chew on this smooth wine.
Overall
Long, powerful, smooth and complex, this is a wine filled with remarkable personality in a layered spicy expression. A pure expression of concentrated fruit backed up by refined oak. The whole is sophisticated, and does feel quite unique.
An uncompromisingly powerful yet multifaceted expression of the Syrah grape.
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