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Noncontractual photograph
Vintage | Wine 1990 |
Region | Rhône |
Appellation | Hermitage Rouge |
Colour | Red |
Volume | 0.75 l |
Country | France |
Château | Domaine Guigal |
Country | France |
The Maison GUIGAL vinifies and ages in its cellars, in Ampuis, the northern appellations of the Rhône Valley which are Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage. The aging of the southern appellations Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Tavel and Côtes-du-Rhône is also assured in the Ampuis cellars.
The Hermitage 'Ex-Voto' is produced in the greatest vintages while the Saint-Joseph 'Lieu-Dit Saint-Joseph' in white and red and the famous Saint-Joseph red 'Vignes de l'Hospice' constitute references for this Appellation.
Among the jewels of the Domaine Guigal there are the inevitable Côte Rôtie "La Landonne", "La Turque" and "La Mouline". Known throughout the world, wine lovers of the Rhône are tearing themselves away. Some great vintages: 1978, 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2005
CHÂTEAU COUTET Cuvée Madame 1990
Sauternes
Saint Estèphe
PAUL JABOULET AINE La Chapelle 1990
Hermitage Rouge
Saint Emilion
DOMAINE DE LA ROMANEE CONTI 1990
La Tache
Romanée Saint Vivant
Pessac Leognan
Saint Estèphe
CHÂTEAU HAUT BAGES LIBERAL 1990
Pauillac
Pauillac
Rhone Book (1997) Robert Parker 90 points Drink 1996-2009
Although variable from bottle to bottle, this wine can be Guigal's best recent red Hermitage. Marcel Guigal believes it is the finest Hermitage made at this firm since 1955. I have followed the 1990 since I first tasted its component parts. It exhibits a nose of intense peppery, jammy, black-raspberry fruit intertwined with scents of smoke, vanillin, and spices. With full body, great depth of fruit, purity, and considerable tannin in the finish, it is already approachable because of its long aging in foudres and small barrels. This is a rich, thick, concentrated wine. Anticipated maturity: now-2009. Last tasted 696.
The Guigal family owns no vineyards in Hermitage, but meticulously purchases wine that has been vinified by the grower according to the Guigal formula. Guigal produces his red Hermitage from 100% Syrah, refusing to blend in the 15% white wine permitted by law. Just under 2,000 cases of red Hermitage are produced. Guigal does not fine the wine and will not filter it if it falls brilliant naturally by virtue of its very long aging (three years) in wooden barrels and large foudres. He is a believer in long wood aging for Syrah, learning from his father that extended cask and foudre aging for Syrah usually leads to a softer, more complex wine. Consequently, he is always the last to bottle his red Hermitage.Guigal plays it close to the vest with respect to where he purchases his Hermitage juice, but the Fayolles, occasionally Bernard Faurie, and the two Sorrels (Jean-Michel and Marc) are known to be suppliers to Guigal. Marcel Guigal has also confessed to me that he will not be content until he becomes the proprietor of some Hermitage vineyards. With the vastwealth this firm has earned from its worldwide success, readers should not be surprised to find out in the future that Guigal has purchased some important vineyards in this hallowed appellation.
Beautiful aromas of raspberry and cedar follow through on the lush, full palate. It's intense and well crafted, with a long, rich finish.