Handford Wines

Etienne Guigal left neighbouring firm, Vidal Fleury in 1946 to set up on his own. In 1985 he bought out his former employers. The négociant is now run by his son Marcel. The jewels in their crown are four exquiste vineyard sites in Côte Rôtie. Guigal makes this wines in a quite unique style using new oak barrels and then allowed to settle in both small barriques and large oak foudres. This allows the wine to settle naturally through its second winter. There is no fining or filtration. Their other great wine is Condrieu, whose quality has been amplified since the acquisition of some of the regions finest slopes as part of the Vidal Fleury buy out. For most other labels Guigal operates as a négociant. The greatness of this estate prompted Robert Parker to write ‘I don’t believe there is another wine maker or wine producing estate in the world that has ever put together such an array of monumental wines as these.’ As a footnote I would point out, as would Marcel himself, that the perceived difference between himself and his neighbours that has been catalysed by such comments, is now thoroughly exaggerated.

The Wine

Perhaps the finest basic cuvee Guigal has yet made, the 2006 Condrieu exhibits superb acacia flower, white peach, honeysuckle, and mineral characteristics in a medium to full-bodied, gorgeous style with zesty acidity in the background. Drink now to 2012+. 92/100 Robert Parker

Single Bottle: £33.95

In a case of 12: £32.25