E. Guigal

Saint-Joseph Lieu Dit Rouge 2018

Saint-Joseph

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A result of its quality, Guigal’s Saint-Joseph Lieu Dit Rouge comes from the “Saint-Joseph” vineyard that gives the appellation its name. This site convinced the Guigals to work in Saint-Joseph and help to restore the historic perception of Saint-Joseph as an appellation of utmost quality. The 100% Syrah wine has complex and deep black fruit, floral, spice and mineral characteristics. Despite its concentration and powerful attack, the wine retains the trademark elegance that Saint-Joseph offers.

VINEYARD

Guigal’s Saint-Joseph Lieu Dit comes from the vineyard that gives the appellation its name, and is one of the finest sites in the Northern Rhone Valley. Guigal owns the majority of this parcel, with 14 acres in total, 60% of which is planted to red grapes and 40% to white grapes. The vines are from 20 to 75 years of age, planted on steep slopes of gneiss with streaks of granite.

Yields are incredibly low for this 100% Syrah wine, harvesting 1.8 tons per acre on average.

WINEMAKING

Fermentation is carried out at high, controlled temperatures and aged in 50% new oak and 50% first year barrels.

VINTAGE

2018 is shaping up to be one of the truly great vintages in the Northern Rhône valley. Following a very wet Spring, Summer was dry and hot – the warmest vintage since 2003. Harvest was quick and early, with yields slightly above average. Fruit was uniformly ripe, resulting in red wines that are dense and concentrated, with exceptionally deep color and rich tannins; similar to 2015, but with even more intensity.

TASTING NOTE

Deep red in color. Complex with dominant black fruit and delicate oak aromas. A pure and intense nose. A powerful attack on the pallet with round and elegant tannins. Overall, a veritable success. Fresh and powerful. Will become more refined with age.

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Syrah

Appellation

Saint-Joseph

Farming

Guigal uses only environmentally sustainable methods of pest, disease and weed control. They work to conserve biological diversity, water resources, soils and ecosystems on their land. Packaging materials are recyclable or biodegradable. Lastly, they are committed to achieving a zero waste target.

Alcohol

14.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$75

Reviews

"Roasted apple wood"

Wine Spectator - December 6, 2021

"Warm and lush in feel, with flavors of cocoa-edged plum sauce and steeped blackberry preserves, backed by roasted apple wood and licorice snap notes. This has both muscle and perfume." -J.M

"Vanilla and tobacco"

Vinous - December 22, 2022

"Opaque ruby. Displays an array of smoke- and spice-accented dark fruit and floral aromas, along with building olive, tobacco and vanilla notes. Tightly wound and focused in the mouth, offering concentrated blueberry, cassis, bitter chocolate and espresso flavors that are lifted and sharpened by a suggestion of cracked pepper. Blends heft and energy with a sure hand and finishes impressively long and gently chewy, with repeating olive and spice notes and mounting tannins. This wine is quite reserved for one from a hot vintage; don't open it any time soon. 50% new oak." -J.R. 12/22

 

More on Saint-Joseph Lieu Dit Rouge 2018

E. Guigal 2018 St. Joseph Lieu-Dit Rouge Named Wine of the Week in W&S

March 10, 2022 - Wine & Spirits highlighted this "Dense, Opulent St-Joseph" in their Wine of the Week article for February 21st. "A wine as elegant as it is firm, almost forbidding in its…

Trade Materials

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