E. Guigal - Cote Rotie La Landonne 2007
Price: $499.99
| Producer | E. Guigal |
| Country | France |
| Region | Rhone Valley |
| Subregion | Cote Rotie |
| Varietal | Syrah |
| Vintage | 2007 |
| Sku | 54161 |
E. Guigal Description
ESTATE The firm of E. Guigal, located in Ampuis, was founded in 1946 by Etienne Guigal. Since 1961 his son Marcel has led the estate, and his unparalleled work ethic and dedication to quality have brought attention to Côte-Rôtie and other appellations throughout the Rhone that were in danger of being lost, and lifted the Guigal wines to the pinnacle of the wine world. Today, Marcel’s son Philippe serves as Director and Oenologist, continuing the tradition of leadership in the Rhone Valley and uncompromising excellence.
WINE La Landonne is typically the most tannic, structured, powerful and intensely concentrated of the Guigal single-vineyard Côte-Rôties. It has great aging potential— and is usually thought to take the longest to mature, though it rewards patience with its singular combination of fortitude and finesse.
VINEYARD A 5.7 acre site planted entirely with Syrah, Guigal’s La Landonne has been produced since 1978, after being planted in 1975 at the time of Philippe Guigal’s birth. Guigal acquired the vineyard from numerous small owners, building their holding parcel by parcel over a decade. The vineyard is one of the steepest of the Côte Brune, a 45 degree slope of limestone clay very rich in iron oxide. La Landonne is at the northern end of the Côte Brune and is the last vineyard to ripen, consequently its stems achieve full maturation and grapes are never destemmed.
VINIFICATION The wine is continuously pumped over, and alcoholic fermentation and maceration last around 4 weeks. Aging is for 42 months in new oak barrels made at the Chateau d’Ampuis cooperage.
Wine Spectator: 97 Points
This is very backward, with smoldering tobacco and charcoal up front, holding the dense core of black currant, anise and hoisin sauce at bay for now. Sage, sweet tapenade and bittersweet cocoa all roll as the grip takes over on the back end. Terrifically gutsy, with a charcoal- and singed iron-filled finish. Best from 2013 through 2026. 1,000 cases made.
Stephen Tanzer: 94-97 Points
"Glass-staining purple. The wildest and most exotic nose of this set of '07s, offering dark berry preserves, cherry-cola, tarragon and incense along with slow-building notes of black pepper and Asian spices. The sweet, palate-staining black raspberry and cherry compote flavors are enlivened by juicy acidity and framed by velvety tannins that are quickly absorbed by the fruit. Finishes with superb clarity and persistent notes of floral pastilles and allspice. 94-97 Points"
Wine Advocate: 97+ Points
"An absolute monster as well as a candidate for perfection, the 2007 Cote Rotie La Landonne was vinified with 100% stems (whereas the 2007 La Turque was completely destemmed). The result is an opaque purple-colored wine displaying beautiful aromas of camphor, incense, balsamic notes, blackberries, cassis and an ethereal, subtle graphite character. Terrific intensity, a full-bodied mouthfeel and stunning length make for an exquisite wine that will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring, and last for 40-50 years. 98-100 Points "
