YOUNGS MARKET® E. Guigal Cote Rotie La Mouline 2016 (Northern Rhone, France) – [JD 98 & #46 of Top 100 of 2020] [WA 95-98] [WS 95] – 6057073475743

La Mouline is historically the oldest vineyard site in Cote-Rotie, with walls dating back 2,400 years. Today its vines are also the oldest in the region, averaging 90 years of age, with the oldest dating back to plantings in the 1890s, from the first plantings after phylloxera. Acquired in 1963 from the Dervieux family, La Mouline was Guigal’s first single-vineyard Côte- Rôtie, and the inaugural vintage was 1966. This 1-HA vineyard is located on the lighter soils of the Cote Blonde,and is planted to about 11% Viognier, aspects that give La Mouline its telltale aromatic complexity and additional softness and roundness; it is often called the most feminine of Guigal’s Côte-Rôties.

Grape Varieties: 89% Syrah, 11% Viognier

Fermentation: In stainless steel vats. seeing traditional pump overs with fermentation and maceration lasting around 4 weeks.

Aging: 42 months in new oak

Alcohol: 13.5%

98 Points & #46 of Top 100 of 2020 – Jeb Dunnuck:
“Probably one of my favorite wines in the world is the La Mouline Côte Rôtie from the Guigal family. Coming from old vines and a warmer, steep, terraced parcel not far from the estate, it also includes a big chunk of Viognier and spent 4 years in new French oak. The 2016 Côte Rôtie La Mouline shows the more classic, elegant style of the vintage perfectly, offering a kaleidoscope feel in its classic jammy black raspberry fruits and notes of spice box, acacia flowers, bacon fat, and smoked game-like aromas and flavors. Possessing incredible elegance, full-bodied richness, silky tannins, and a layered, multi-dimensional texture, this heavenly Syrah can be enjoyed any time over the coming 25-30 years.” – Jeb Dunnuck (November 2020)

95-98 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate:
“Picked later than the 2015, the 2016 Cote Rotie La Mouline shows more dark fruit in its profile—think cassis and black olives—plus licorice and peppery spice. It’s full-bodied, rich and supple, with a long finish. It may be nearly as good as the 2015, yet it’ll be drinkable close to release.” – Joe Czerzwinski (December 2019)

95 Points – Wine Spectator:
“Suave in feel, this lovely, beguiling wine offers perfumed black tea and incense notes swirling around a core of steeped cherry and plum fruit, all inlaid with notes of anise and juniper. The finish knits everything together nicely, with a mouthwatering mineral hint echoing. Best from 2022 through 2038. 125 cases imported.” — JM (October 2020)