Côte-Rôtie La Mouline - 2011
E. Guigal
- Region
- France » Rhône » Côte-Rôtie AOC
- Type
- red still, dry
- Producer
- E. Guigal
- Vintage
- 2011
- Grapes
- Syrah, Viognier
- Alcohol
- 13.5
- Volume
- 750 mL
- Cellar
- not available
La Mouline from Côte Blonde combines 89% Syrah and 11% Viognier, hailing from vines aged over 75 years. The vineyard, reminiscent of a Roman amphitheatre with its terraced structure, is rooted in gneiss featuring lightly colored silicone soil and limestone loess. In the vinification process, thermoregulated stainless steel tanks are employed, along with traditional pumping over techniques. The blend undergoes alcoholic fermentation and a four-week maceration period. This is followed by a significant maturation period of 42 months in new oak barrels.
Ratings
This wine, the most developed in its range, captivates with a seductive and delicate bouquet. It encompasses an array of intricate aromas like meat, wet forest floor, aged bái mǔdān cake, dried fruits, old jam, fennel, and dill.
Remarkably, the palate remains insanely fresh, offering a vibrant contrast to the developed nose. The aftertaste is where this wine truly shines – it's long, continuously evolving, and rich in flavour, culminating in an incredible ya'an cha finish that lingers delightfully.
Selecting a favourite among the La Mouline range is no small feat, but this one stands out for its complexity, minerality, and multilayered nature. The presence of aged tea notes, both in the aroma and on the palate, is particularly enchanting, resonating deeply. This wine isn't just gorgeous; it's transformative, offering an experience that can change one's perspective on wine. It's a standout bottle, both memorable and heartwarming.