E. Guigal Brune et Blonde Côte-Rôtie Red Wine 2018 France 75cl

E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde 2018 hails from the Northern Rhône and has all the hallmarks of a great Syrah from this region. Powerful black and blue fruit combine with peppery spice and smoky oak on a full-bodied, powerful palate. The Côte-Rôtie wines from Guigal are made with meticulous attention to detail, and with a style that few others can emulate. They favour low yields in the vineyards, to ensure good concentration in the wines, and they aim to use only very ripe grapes, giving an almost unctuous character to their dry reds. Extended ageing in oak barrels completes before bottling ensures that the rich tannins are soft and the influence of the barrels (which they produce in their own cooperage) is fully integrated.

E. Guigal was founded in 1946 by Etienne, whose 67 consecutive vintages worked in Côte-Rôtie are a testament to his work ethic and perseverance - a trait that is shared by son Marcel and grandson Philippe. The domaine has been built on hard work for many decades, propelling not only their brand but that of Côte-Rôtie into superstardom. They are now a large domaine, having grown over the years as retiring vignerons have sold their vineyards to the family, giving them an impressive spread of prime vineyards that spans the length of the Rhône wine region.