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Kings of Rhône
Tasted October 9, 2021 by sirpat00 with 192 views
Introduction
Kings of Rhône virtual masterclass moderated by WA‘s Joe Czerwinski featuring both Michel Chapoutier and Philippe Guigal who presented 5 wines each. Including shipping and storage, all wines spent approx. 1 week in a screw cap phial. In this direct face-off, Guigal had the upper hand claiming the top 3 wines: La Turque 2017 (98), La Mouline 2016 (97), Ex-Voto Blanc 2017 (96). Chapoutier's top wine was the Le Pavillon 2015 (95). Full list included in the tasting story.
Guigal
La Turque 2017 (98)
La Mouline 2016 (97)
Ex-Voto Blanc 2017 (96)
Ex-Voto 2015 (95)
La Doriane 2019 (94)
Château de Nalys (94)
Chapoutier
Le Pavillon 2015 (95)
Chante-Alouette 2019 (95)
Ermitage Blanc de l'Orée (94)
Nève 2017 (89)
La Mordorée 2016 (88)
Croix de Bois 2016 (NA)
Flight 1 (2 notes)
White
2019 E. Guigal Condrieu La Doriane
94 points
Kings of Rhône virtual masterclass moderated by WA‘s Joe Czerwinski featuring both Michel Chapoutier and Philippe Guigal who presented 5 wines each. Including shipping and storage, all wines spent approx. 1 week in a screw cap phial. In this direct face-off, Guigal had the upper hand claiming the top 3 wines: La Turque 2017 (98), La Mouline 2016 (97), Ex-Voto Blanc 2017 (96). Chapoutier's top wine was the Le Pavillon 2015 (95). Full list included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Very floral and essential oils with some marzipan and white stone fruit on the side. Very softly textured with pleasant acidity woven into it. The beautifully perfumed bouquet carried over nicely to the palate. My experience with Condrieu is pretty limited with only some Cuillerons and Delas Frères really worth mentioning. Of these, however, the La Doriane 2019 is the best yet.
Tasting note:
Very floral and essential oils with some marzipan and white stone fruit on the side. Very softly textured with pleasant acidity woven into it. The beautifully perfumed bouquet carried over nicely to the palate. My experience with Condrieu is pretty limited with only some Cuillerons and Delas Frères really worth mentioning. Of these, however, the La Doriane 2019 is the best yet.
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White
2019 M. Chapoutier Hermitage Blanc Chante-Alouette
95 points
Kings of Rhône virtual masterclass moderated by WA‘s Joe Czerwinski featuring both Michel Chapoutier and Philippe Guigal who presented 5 wines each. Including shipping and storage, all wines spent approx. 1 week in a screw cap phial. In this direct face-off, Guigal had the upper hand claiming the top 3 wines: La Turque 2017 (98), La Mouline 2016 (97), Ex-Voto Blanc 2017 (96). Chapoutier's top wine was the Le Pavillon 2015 (95). Full list included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
This is 100% Marsanne. Lots of salty minerality would be the dominant feature here. Then also crushed rock and matchstick surrounding a white peach type of fruit. Soft texture with greatly shaped acidity built into it. According to Michel Chapoutier the best white Hermitage vintages were 1955 and then again 2019 and this is no doubt an outstanding wine seeing eye-to-eye with Guigal's Ex Voto Blanc.
Tasting note:
This is 100% Marsanne. Lots of salty minerality would be the dominant feature here. Then also crushed rock and matchstick surrounding a white peach type of fruit. Soft texture with greatly shaped acidity built into it. According to Michel Chapoutier the best white Hermitage vintages were 1955 and then again 2019 and this is no doubt an outstanding wine seeing eye-to-eye with Guigal's Ex Voto Blanc.
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Flight 2 (2 notes)
Red
2016 Château de Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin
94 points
Kings of Rhône virtual masterclass moderated by WA‘s Joe Czerwinski featuring both Michel Chapoutier and Philippe Guigal who presented 5 wines each. Including shipping and storage, all wines spent approx. 1 week in a screw cap phial. In this direct face-off, Guigal had the upper hand claiming the top 3 wines: La Turque 2017 (98), La Mouline 2016 (97), Ex-Voto Blanc 2017 (96). Chapoutier's top wine was the Le Pavillon 2015 (95). Full list included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
This is the very first vintage of this CDP located at the heart of Chateauneuf and was still made by the previous technical team, hence more recent vintages might show a slightly different handwriting in terms of winemaking. What drew Guigal to this property was the soil which is a mix of clays and sands with iron-oxide which according to Philippe Guigal is perfect for elegant wines. The nose was pretty ripe showing raspberry compote, cranberry jam and fresh Alpine herbs. But then surprisingly light on the palate and not as fruity as I would have expected, in fact rather cool and fresh even. Quite some tension there too. Still pretty tangible tannins and therefore not as lovely as other 2016 CDPs (thinking for example Clos du Caillou La Réserve, Deus ex Machina or Sanctus Sanctorum from Clos St. Jean).
Tasting note:
This is the very first vintage of this CDP located at the heart of Chateauneuf and was still made by the previous technical team, hence more recent vintages might show a slightly different handwriting in terms of winemaking. What drew Guigal to this property was the soil which is a mix of clays and sands with iron-oxide which according to Philippe Guigal is perfect for elegant wines. The nose was pretty ripe showing raspberry compote, cranberry jam and fresh Alpine herbs. But then surprisingly light on the palate and not as fruity as I would have expected, in fact rather cool and fresh even. Quite some tension there too. Still pretty tangible tannins and therefore not as lovely as other 2016 CDPs (thinking for example Clos du Caillou La Réserve, Deus ex Machina or Sanctus Sanctorum from Clos St. Jean).
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Red
2016 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois
flawed
Kings of Rhône virtual masterclass moderated by WA‘s Joe Czerwinski featuring both Michel Chapoutier and Philippe Guigal who presented 5 wines each. Including shipping and storage, all wines spent approx. 1 week in a screw cap phial. In this direct face-off, Guigal had the upper hand claiming the top 3 wines: La Turque 2017 (98), La Mouline 2016 (97), Ex-Voto Blanc 2017 (96). Chapoutier's top wine was the Le Pavillon 2015 (95). Full list included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
A very cooked fruit profile and shockingly unpalatable. Michel Chapoutier did share this view and according to him our sample was too oxidized and not a true representation of the wine when comparing it to a glass poured freshly from bottle. Michel said Grenache is very prone to quick oxidation and our samples did spend about a week in screw cap tube. . Also on the palate. Will therefore not rate this.
Tasting note:
A very cooked fruit profile and shockingly unpalatable. Michel Chapoutier did share this view and according to him our sample was too oxidized and not a true representation of the wine when comparing it to a glass poured freshly from bottle. Michel said Grenache is very prone to quick oxidation and our samples did spend about a week in screw cap tube. . Also on the palate. Will therefore not rate this.
Flight 3 (2 notes)
Red
2016 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Mouline
97 points
Kings of Rhône virtual masterclass moderated by WA‘s Joe Czerwinski featuring both Michel Chapoutier and Philippe Guigal who presented 5 wines each. Including shipping and storage, all wines spent approx. 1 week in a screw cap phial. In this direct face-off, Guigal had the upper hand claiming the top 3 wines: La Turque 2017 (98), La Mouline 2016 (97), Ex-Voto Blanc 2017 (96). Chapoutier's top wine was the Le Pavillon 2015 (95). Full list included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
As Philippe Guigal explained, La Mouline is situated on schist limestone and silica soild (limestone is a matter of elegance) as opposed to Côte Brune where there is more clay, iron-oxide and manganese (driving a bolder structure). This is pure and incredibly linear. Fresh red and dark berry fruit, sweet scents, fresh flesh and iodine, Alpine herbs. On the palate well balanced with a long and elegant finish, pushing wave after wave of fresh fruit and sweet notes. Still quite wild, however, and will definitely benefit from 10+ more years of cellaring if you're looking to catch this at its peak.
Tasting note:
As Philippe Guigal explained, La Mouline is situated on schist limestone and silica soild (limestone is a matter of elegance) as opposed to Côte Brune where there is more clay, iron-oxide and manganese (driving a bolder structure). This is pure and incredibly linear. Fresh red and dark berry fruit, sweet scents, fresh flesh and iodine, Alpine herbs. On the palate well balanced with a long and elegant finish, pushing wave after wave of fresh fruit and sweet notes. Still quite wild, however, and will definitely benefit from 10+ more years of cellaring if you're looking to catch this at its peak.
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Red
2016 M. Chapoutier Côte-Rôtie La Mordorée
88 points
Kings of Rhône virtual masterclass moderated by WA‘s Joe Czerwinski featuring both Michel Chapoutier and Philippe Guigal who presented 5 wines each. Including shipping and storage, all wines spent approx. 1 week in a screw cap phial. In this direct face-off, Guigal had the upper hand claiming the top 3 wines: La Turque 2017 (98), La Mouline 2016 (97), Ex-Voto Blanc 2017 (96). Chapoutier's top wine was the Le Pavillon 2015 (95). Full list included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Very dark berries, jammy and slightly cooked with lots of meaty and gamy notes, dried herbs and leather. Surprisingly fresh. Tannins have plenty of grip. Fortunately all in good balance. This didn't feel nearly ready and while no doubt the patient can surely be rewarded, this was too extracted for my liking, lacking refinement and elegance.
Tasting note:
Very dark berries, jammy and slightly cooked with lots of meaty and gamy notes, dried herbs and leather. Surprisingly fresh. Tannins have plenty of grip. Fortunately all in good balance. This didn't feel nearly ready and while no doubt the patient can surely be rewarded, this was too extracted for my liking, lacking refinement and elegance.
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Flight 4 (2 notes)
Red
2017 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Turque
98 points
Kings of Rhône virtual masterclass moderated by WA‘s Joe Czerwinski featuring both Michel Chapoutier and Philippe Guigal who presented 5 wines each. Including shipping and storage, all wines spent approx. 1 week in a screw cap phial. In this direct face-off, Guigal had the upper hand claiming the top 3 wines: La Turque 2017 (98), La Mouline 2016 (97), Ex-Voto Blanc 2017 (96). Chapoutier's top wine was the Le Pavillon 2015 (95). Full list included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Game and smoked bacon, sweet spices, pipe tobacco, crushed pepper. Despite the youth, there is impeccable balance, great freshness and lots of tension. This is a towering wine, standing tall and proud, definitely more muscular than La Mouline, but still manages to pull off finessed and elegant character in any comparison.
Tasting note:
Game and smoked bacon, sweet spices, pipe tobacco, crushed pepper. Despite the youth, there is impeccable balance, great freshness and lots of tension. This is a towering wine, standing tall and proud, definitely more muscular than La Mouline, but still manages to pull off finessed and elegant character in any comparison.
Red
2017 M. Chapoutier Côte-Rôtie Nève
89 points
Kings of Rhône virtual masterclass moderated by WA‘s Joe Czerwinski featuring both Michel Chapoutier and Philippe Guigal who presented 5 wines each. Including shipping and storage, all wines spent approx. 1 week in a screw cap phial. In this direct face-off, Guigal had the upper hand claiming the top 3 wines: La Turque 2017 (98), La Mouline 2016 (97), Ex-Voto Blanc 2017 (96). Chapoutier's top wine was the Le Pavillon 2015 (95). Full list included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Ripe dark berry fruit, cooked bramble berry, cured meat, black olives. Feels over-extracted on both the bouquet and the palate, but balance is good with tannin well integrated into a firm structure. Not very much of a finish, however. Maybe a notch better than the La Mordorée 2016.
Tasting note:
Ripe dark berry fruit, cooked bramble berry, cured meat, black olives. Feels over-extracted on both the bouquet and the palate, but balance is good with tannin well integrated into a firm structure. Not very much of a finish, however. Maybe a notch better than the La Mordorée 2016.
Flight 5 (2 notes)
Red
2015 E. Guigal Ermitage Ex-Voto
95 points
Kings of Rhône virtual masterclass moderated by WA‘s Joe Czerwinski featuring both Michel Chapoutier and Philippe Guigal who presented 5 wines each. Including shipping and storage, all wines spent approx. 1 week in a screw cap phial. In this direct face-off, Guigal had the upper hand claiming the top 3 wines: La Turque 2017 (98), La Mouline 2016 (97), Ex-Voto Blanc 2017 (96). Chapoutier's top wine was the Le Pavillon 2015 (95). Full list included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Philippe Guigal said they want to express the complexity of Hermitage through their Ex Voto, blending several sites. Blue and dark berries, herbs, some vanilla, only at the margins a bit meaty. Incredibly fresh, electric even, with a great structure. My first red Ex-Voto and while not quite at the complexity level of the La La's, a great Northern Rhône that is not far behind.
Tasting note:
Philippe Guigal said they want to express the complexity of Hermitage through their Ex Voto, blending several sites. Blue and dark berries, herbs, some vanilla, only at the margins a bit meaty. Incredibly fresh, electric even, with a great structure. My first red Ex-Voto and while not quite at the complexity level of the La La's, a great Northern Rhône that is not far behind.
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Red
2015 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Pavillon
95 points
Kings of Rhône virtual masterclass moderated by WA‘s Joe Czerwinski featuring both Michel Chapoutier and Philippe Guigal who presented 5 wines each. Including shipping and storage, all wines spent approx. 1 week in a screw cap phial. In this direct face-off, Guigal had the upper hand claiming the top 3 wines: La Turque 2017 (98), La Mouline 2016 (97), Ex-Voto Blanc 2017 (96). Chapoutier's top wine was the Le Pavillon 2015 (95). Full list included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
This is like biting into a medium-rare fillet mignon grilled à point. Dark berry fruit, iodine, intense olive aromas and herbal dimensions. After a short while some sweeter layers of liquorish pop up. Softly textured despite plenty of depth with a quite long-lasting finish. A truly dark character overall. There was definitely not enough time to explore this in its entirety but I feel there is immense potential here.
Tasting note:
This is like biting into a medium-rare fillet mignon grilled à point. Dark berry fruit, iodine, intense olive aromas and herbal dimensions. After a short while some sweeter layers of liquorish pop up. Softly textured despite plenty of depth with a quite long-lasting finish. A truly dark character overall. There was definitely not enough time to explore this in its entirety but I feel there is immense potential here.
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Flight 6 (2 notes)
White
2017 E. Guigal Ermitage Blanc Ex-Voto
96 points
Kings of Rhône virtual masterclass moderated by WA‘s Joe Czerwinski featuring both Michel Chapoutier and Philippe Guigal who presented 5 wines each. Including shipping and storage, all wines spent approx. 1 week in a screw cap phial. In this direct face-off, Guigal had the upper hand claiming the top 3 wines: La Turque 2017 (98), La Mouline 2016 (97), Ex-Voto Blanc 2017 (96). Chapoutier's top wine was the Le Pavillon 2015 (95). Full list included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
This is made half from young vines (16 years of age) and half from very old vines (>100 years). Rich and smoky with plenty of salty minerality, a bit of spices, oak. A ripe fruit profile but was hard to pin down. This is all pretty good, but the palate is a show-stopper. Incredibly soft, velvety but with a vibrancy to it to continues to sing into long finish. Opulent and majestic.
Tasting note:
This is made half from young vines (16 years of age) and half from very old vines (>100 years). Rich and smoky with plenty of salty minerality, a bit of spices, oak. A ripe fruit profile but was hard to pin down. This is all pretty good, but the palate is a show-stopper. Incredibly soft, velvety but with a vibrancy to it to continues to sing into long finish. Opulent and majestic.
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White
2017 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Blanc De L'Orée
94 points
Kings of Rhône virtual masterclass moderated by WA‘s Joe Czerwinski featuring both Michel Chapoutier and Philippe Guigal who presented 5 wines each. Including shipping and storage, all wines spent approx. 1 week in a screw cap phial. In this direct face-off, Guigal had the upper hand claiming the top 3 wines: La Turque 2017 (98), La Mouline 2016 (97), Ex-Voto Blanc 2017 (96). Chapoutier's top wine was the Le Pavillon 2015 (95). Full list included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Lychee and tangerine fruit, acacia honey. Rich and floral Softly textured and very wholesome overall. Not quite as bombastic as Guigal's Ex-Voto.
Tasting note:
Lychee and tangerine fruit, acacia honey. Rich and floral Softly textured and very wholesome overall. Not quite as bombastic as Guigal's Ex-Voto.
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