E. Guigal (Gamme Trésors) - Saint-Joseph Vignes de l'Hospice 2012

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

This marks a significant step forward, a stunning nose that combines violet, spices, and more mineral notes in the style of a truly great Côte-Rôtie, with a length and complexity unique within the appellation. A great wine.

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 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 sample 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 fine vineyards 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:

A leading figure in 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 2012 Saint Joseph Vignes des Hospices is already approachable and drinking beautifully. Its ruby/purple color is followed by lovely aromas and fragrances of blackcurrant, black raspberry, chocolate, and spring flowers. Medium-bodied to full-bodied, straightforward, beautifully textured, and even seductive, it can be enjoyed at any time over the next 10-15 years.

About the estate:

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

About the wine:

The 2012 Saint-Joseph Vignes de l'Hospice reveals itself with lovely concentration and juicy fruit. The wine is of high quality and the overall impression is voluptuous.

About the estate:

The most iconic winery in the northern Rhône Valley needs no introduction. Under this label, we bring together 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 prime plots in Hermitage from which the Ex-Voto cuvée is produced. Marcel Guigal is firmly 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

Jeb Dunnuck