E. Guigal - Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde de Guigal 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Marcel and Philippe Guigal jointly run the successful family business, which since 2017 has expanded significantly in the south, to Châteauneuf-du-Pape (77 hectares of estate-owned vineyards), supplemented in the spring of 2022 by the 100 hectares of Château d’Aquéria. And, as always, the rich portfolio of vineyards in Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, and Hermitage. Wine lovers can enjoy some of the valley’s greatest vintages, not to mention the brilliant Côtes-du-Rhône in all three red, white, and rosé varieties, and Tavel, Philippe’s favorite wine.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

In addition to its “treasures” in Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Condrieu, the Guigal estate owns two beautiful plots in Saint-Joseph: the locality known as “Saint-Joseph,” which gave its name to the appellation, and the Vignes de l’Hospice, planted on a very steep granite hillside, already identified by the monks of the Hospice de Tournon and featuring a geological formation similar to that of the famous Bessards hill in Hermitage.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the estate:

An iconic figure of the Northern Rhône, Marcel Guigal is both a major wine merchant and a prominent winegrower. In the latter capacity, he cultivates famous vineyards in Côte Rôtie, such as La Mouline, La Turque, and La Landonne, not to mention La Doriane in Condrieu. A tireless worker with an insatiable intellectual curiosity, he succeeded his father, Etienne. Philippe Guigal, an oenologist and representative of the third generation, continues the family legacy alongside his father, maintaining this dual focus on estate-owned vineyards and wine trading. The winemaking for the northern appellations all takes place in Ampuis.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The 2020 Côte Rôtie Brune et Blonde offers enticing, smoky notes of grilled bacon, ripe cherries, and blueberries on the nose. Full-bodied and reasonably concentrated, this wine finishes with an elegant layer of silky tannins. It seems to be developing rather quickly and should be ready to drink shortly after its release.

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

The most iconic winery in the northern Rhône Valley needs no introduction. Under this umbrella, we bring together the wines from our own vineyards, which we thus distinguish from our wine merchant operations. This includes the famous Côte-Rôtie trio: La Mouline, La Turque, and La Landonne; the first two are brand names, while the last is a registered terroir. Added to these are the Château d’Ampuis cuvée and the Condrieu La Doriane. In addition to these star wines, there is the Vignes de l’Hospice cuvée, a Saint-Joseph situated on a magnificent terroir, as well as several large plots in Hermitage from which the Ex-Voto cuvée is produced. Marcel Guigal is strongly supported by his son Philippe, who seems to be gently shifting the style of the wines, with aging that strikes us as slightly less dominant. Needless to say, all these wines are built for long-term aging.

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

Tight and firm, with a hint of charcoal. The fruit seems ripe and refined, and there is a touch of pepper. Slightly dry finish. The oak isn't very prominent yet, but the wine shows great promise.

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2020 Guigal Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde makes a strong first impression. Ripe black fruit bursts from the glass, mingling with notes of pencil shavings, dried meat, and licorice. Medium-bodied and concentrated, the 2020 finishes with intensity and a savory aftertaste.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Although characterized by dark forest berries, this wine displays such floral and mineral freshness that it is a delight! Concentrated and very precise, the interplay between the oak, the fine tannins, and the fruit aromas on the palate is perfect. It has just been bottled and will benefit from being aerated or decanted. A blend of 96% Syrah and 4% Viognier. Aged for three years in 50% new and 50% used barrels. Ready to enjoy now, but best served starting in 2024.

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

The 2020 Côte Rôtie Brune et Blonde, produced in larger quantities, is a winner, and readers could do far worse than stocking a case of it in their cellar. Ripe black raspberries, spring flowers, smoke, and hints of meat shine through here, and the palate is medium-bodied and rich, with fine tannins and plenty of charm and character. Best enjoyed over the next 10 to 12 years.