"Probably one of my favorite wines in the world is the La Mouline Côte Rôtie from the Guigal family. Coming from old vines and a warmer, steep, terraced parcel not far from the estate, it also includes a big chunk of Viognier and spent 4 years in new French oak. The 2016 Côte Rôtie La Mouline shows the more classic, elegant style of the vintage perfectly, offering a kaleidoscope feel in its classic jammy black raspberry fruits and notes of spice box, acacia flowers, bacon fat, and smoked game-like aromas and flavors. Possessing incredible elegance, full-bodied richness, silky tannins, and a layered, multi-dimensional texture, this heavenly Syrah can be enjoyed any time over the coming 25-30 years." - 98 pts, Jeb Dunnuck
La Mouline is historically the oldest vineyard site in Cote-Rotie, with walls dating back 2,400 years. Today its vines are also the oldest in the region, averaging 90 years of age, with the oldest dating back to plantings in the 1890s, from the first plantings after phylloxera. Acquired in 1963 from the Dervieux family, La Mouline was Guigal’s first single-vineyard Côte- Rôtie, and the inaugural vintage was 1966. This 1-HA vineyard is located on the lighter soils of the Cote Blonde,and is planted to about 11% Viognier, aspects that give La Mouline its telltale aromatic complexity and additional softness and roundness; it is often called the most feminine of Guigal’s Côte-Rôties.
Winemaker Notes
To the eye, the wine is ruby red The nose is presented with small red fruits, blackberry and floral violet aromas that are intensely aromatic, powerful yet full of finesse. The palate is supple, with divine balance between the finesse of the aromas and an explosive richness due to the concentration of the wine. Greatly expressive of the terroir, the wine presents itself as feminine with voluptuous silky texture and intense aromas.
About the Producer
This estate needs little introduction, founded in 1946 by Etienne Guigal, it is simply one of the greatest and most iconic quality wine producers in the world. No less than 30 perfect scores of 100/100 from Robert Parker a total unequalled by any other producer anywhere testify to the extraordinary quality that the Guigals achieve, year in, year out. At the same time, the Guigals produce large volumes of delicious and well-priced Cotes du Rhone, which allows a wider public to share the Guigal experience.
