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E. GUIGAL
Domaine E. Guigal is one of France’s most iconic producers, and among the most sought-after makers of “Fine & Rare” collectible wines anywhere in the world. The estate was founded in 1946 by Etienne Guigal, and is today run by his grandson Philippe, making them one of the few remaining family-run estates in France of this calibre. Located in Ampuis, in the hilly, cool, serene northern Rhône Valley, the acclaimed winemaker crafts exceptional wines from some of the world’s greatest terroirs for Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, Marsanne and Rousanne.
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2012 HERMITAGE ROUGE
Perched on the southwest side of a single, steep, granite hill, exposed to the afternoon sun, sit the coveted vineyards of the tiny Hermitage region. Known as one of the world’s great sites for Syrah, the vineyards of Hermitage produce earthy, tannic wines, bursting with aromas of leather, red berry, blackcurrant, and cocoa. The 2011 Guigal Hermitage comes from 30-year-old vines, and is aged in oak barrels for 36 months. Elegant, structured, and rich, with great balance between ripe fruit and earthy undertones.
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WITH FOOD
Perfect to keep you company in the colder months, Guigal’s Hermitage is a natural fit for roasted, stewed, or pan seared red meats, roasted or braised game, and after (or before) dinner cheeses. Sticking to earthy, rich flavours of dried herbs, shallots, cumin, and dried dark fruit will have this wine veritably singing in the glass.
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RECIPE IDEAS
Pan-Seared Venison with Rosemary and Dried Cherries
Auntie Mary’s Slow-Cooked Beef Potpie
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EXPERT OPINIONS
“The 2012 Hermitage…offers a very classic, slightly backward profile with notes of crushed rocks, black currants, graphite, chocolate and spice. It’s certainly enjoyable today, but this medium to full-bodied effort will be better in 4-5 years and drink well for a decade after that.” –J. Dunnuck, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
92 / 100 Points
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“Mature, with smoky tobacco and roasted alder and juniper notes wafting up from the core of gently mulled plum and blackberry fruit. Light sanguine and iron accents glide through the finish, giving this an elegant feel despite the slightly woodsy profile. Drink now through 2022.” –J.M., Wine Spectator
92 / 100 Points
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“This is made from purchased grapes and smells of grey stones, fine pepper and spices. It’s gently fragrant and has a dusty, meaty edge. There are redder, plum fruits here on offer too — not to mention a licorice edge. The palate’s built on ripe-fruit tannins bolstered by an assertive oak frame. This has a rustic twist through dark-plum and plum-pudding flavors and a slightly tacky finish. Drink now through to 2022.” –James Suckling
91-92 / 100 Points
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Producer: E. Guigal
Wine: Hermitage Rouge
Origin: Northern Rhône, France
Vintage: 2012
LCBO #: 707372