2011 Guigal - Saint-Joseph Lieu-Dit Rouge (750ml)

Étienne Guigal founded his house in Ampuis in 1946, and his son Marcel and grandson Philippe made it the most famous name in the Northern Rhône. This wine comes from the “Saint-Joseph” vineyard itself, the historic hillside that gave the whole appellation its name. It’s the site that drew the Guigals to Saint-Joseph and helped restore the appellation’s reputation. The family owns most of this 14-acre parcel of steep gneiss and granite slopes, with vines 20 to 75 years old. It’s 100% Syrah from low yields, aged in barrels that are half new oak. With more than a decade of age, the 2011 has softened into a savory, elegant drinking window. Expect sour and sweet cherry, underbrush and crushed stone, with violets, black pepper and a hint of smoked meat. The palate is medium-bodied, fine-grained and mineral. Great with roast duck, lamb chops or charcuterie.