At a glance

Producer

E. Guigal

Region

Côte-Rôtie, Rhône Valley, France

Grape variety

Syrah

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$300-$450

Tasting profile

Dense black fruit (blackberry, black plum), violet floral notes, pepper spice, graphite, and smoky bacon fat aromas with rigid tannins and firm acidity.

Evolution: Fruit will gain complexity with secondary notes of leather, cured meat, truffle, and earth emerging after 2025. Tannins soften and integrate gradually.

At peak: Silky tannins, layered complexity, elegant minerality, and lingering finish with nuances of purple flowers, black pepper, and smoked meat expected in peak years.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, refreshing and balancing

Tannins

Firm, powerful, and well-structured

Alcohol

Around 14.5% ABV

Aging potential

30-40+ years from vintage given the top-tier producer and vintage quality

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2054

Optimal window

2025 to 2057

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

Tannins are firm and structured but beginning to soften; vibrant acidity underpinning the fruit.

Exceptional vintage 2017 with ripe, expressive fruit and excellent phenolic maturity combined with Guigal’s top Côte-Rôtie vineyard La Landonne which is known for power and age-worthiness. Typical style supports long cellaring with slow tannin integration and flavor complexity development peaking 15-25 years post-vintage.

Food pairing

Ideal with rich, flavorful dishes such as roasted leg of lamb, wild game, beef stew, grilled ribeye, or mushroom risotto. Strong flavors complement the wine’s power and structure.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Helps soften tannins and open up the complex aromatics and flavors of youth.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Guigal employs integrated pest management, water conservation techniques, reduced chemical inputs, and energy-efficient winery operations including solar panels.

While not certified organic or biodynamic, Guigal is considered a leader in sustainable farming practices in the Rhône with initiatives to reduce environmental impact and improve ecosystem health. Transportation emissions are moderate given typical export to US, Europe, and Asia markets.