Cote Roti La Mouline 2021 E.Guigal

Tasting Note

Aromas of violets and black cherries dominate, followed by notes of cracked pepper and apricot peel, with subtle smoky and savory flavors stemming from extended aging in oak barrels. Medium to full-bodied, the texture is particularly noteworthy. It feels silky smooth and layered, with tannins that are polished rather than harsh. Despite its 13% alcohol content, it feels light on the palate, with the freshness of a cool vintage lingering on the finish. While already well-balanced, it still feels tightly structured. Give it a little more time.

Grape Varieties

2021 La Mouline Blend:

• 89% Syrah: Pepper, dark fruit, and the wine's structure
• 11% Viognier: Softens the tannins through co-fermentation and emphasizes floral and stone fruit aromas

The proportion of Viognier is significantly higher than in most Côte-Rôtie wines.

Cellaring Potential

Best enjoyed between 2027 and 2040. This cool-weather Northern Rhône vintage has abundant acidity, and the delicate tannins need time to harmonize with the fruit flavors. Decant about an hour before serving and enjoy at 18-20°C. As it ages, the peppery notes evolve into aromas of black olives and undergrowth.

About E.Guigal

E.Guigal established Côte-Rôtie's modern reputation in a village that had all but given up on it. First bottled in 1966, La Mouline is the oldest of the three single-vineyard cuvées. In the 1980s, Robert Parker's praise brought fame to this winery. Today, Marcel and Philippe Guigal are in charge of operations.

Terroir & Climate

La Mouline is produced at Côte Blonde, where granite and gneiss lie beneath a light, sandy, siliceous topsoil. The east- and southeast-facing terraces receive morning sunlight, and the stone walls reflect the accumulated heat back toward the vines. Côte Blonde wines are rich in floral notes and have intense aromas. Produced in iron-rich shale soil, Côte Brune has a deeper color and greater density.

Winemaking

After aging on the skins for up to four weeks in sealed stainless steel tanks, the wine is aged for 42 months in new French oak barrels coopered on-site at Château d'Ampuis. Thanks to an aging period longer than almost anyone else in the Côte-Rôtie region, La Mouline has such a refined flavor. It has not undergone any fining or filtration.

Food Pairing

It pairs best with game, as the wine's peppery and olive notes harmonize beautifully with the meat's flavors. Recommended pairings:

• Saddle of venison, roasted rare
• Braised leg of lamb with garlic and thyme
• Rich, flavorful game goulash

If you want something simpler alongside the wine, try aged Comté or Gruyère

To be honest, La Mouline is excellent even on its own.