E. GUIGAL Condrieu Blanc 'La Doriane' 2021/22 Bottle

Description

IN BRIEF
E. Guigal Condrieu La Doriane 2022 is a prestigious white wine that highlights the elegance and complexity of the Viognier grape, crafted in the renowned Condrieu appellation of the Northern Rhône Valley. This wine showcases a luminous golden hue, indicative of its richness. The inviting nose features intense floral aromas of white flowers and honeysuckle, alongside ripe stone fruits like peach and apricot, with hints of citrus and minerality. On the palate, it is full-bodied and lush, delivering a smooth texture with vibrant fruit flavours and refreshing acidity. The long, elegant finish leaves a memorable impression of fruit and floral notes. Rated 95 points by Vinous and 94 points each by The Wine Advocate and James Suckling, it pairs beautifully with seafood and creamy cheeses.

ABOUT THIS WINE
E. Guigal Condrieu La Doriane 2022 is a prestigious white wine that exemplifies the elegance and complexity of the Viognier grape, renowned for its aromatic qualities. Produced in the acclaimed Condrieu appellation in the Northern Rhône Valley of France, this wine is a true reflection of the region's terroir and the meticulous craftsmanship of the Guigal family.

In the glass, La Doriane reveals a luminous golden hue, indicative of its richness and depth. The nose is immediately captivating, showcasing intense floral aromas of white flowers and honeysuckle, complemented by ripe stone fruits such as peach and apricot. This aromatic profile is further enhanced by subtle notes of citrus and a hint of minerality, creating an inviting bouquet that beckons for exploration.

On the palate, E. Guigal Condrieu La Doriane is full-bodied and lush, offering a beautifully smooth texture that glides across the tongue. The vibrant flavours of ripe fruits are harmoniously balanced with a refreshing acidity, ensuring that the wine is both rich and lively. Hints of spice and a touch of oak contribute to the wine's complexity, while the mineral undertones reflect the unique characteristics of the Condrieu terroir.

The finish is long and elegant, leaving a lasting impression of fruit and floral notes, intertwined with subtle hints of creaminess. This outstanding wine is versatile, making it an excellent choice for pairing with a variety of dishes. It complements seafood, roasted poultry, creamy cheeses, and seasonal vegetable dishes beautifully.

In summary, E. Guigal Condrieu La Doriane 2022 is a remarkable expression of Viognier, showcasing the artistry and tradition of the Guigal family. Its captivating aromas, rich flavours, and elegant finish make it a standout choice for those seeking an exquisite white wine experience from the Rhône Valley.

VINOUS 95 points
The fabulous 2022 Condrieu La Doriane unfurls with pronounced quince, apricot, vanilla, yellow apple, lemon peel and cedar aromatics. Spring blossom and melon nuances add more layers. Juicy and layered, there’s terrific inner energy and balance within this outstanding 2022. It is neither fat nor heavy, but instead totally fresh and refined, finishing with stone fruit and floral-driven persistence. - Nicolas Greinacher

THE WINE ADVOCATE 94 points
Reviewed by: Yohan Castaing
Drink Date: 2024 - 2044
Fermented and matured in 100% new oak, the 2022 Condrieu la Doriane is less oaky and spicy than expected, evoking a charming, vibrant bouquet of honeysuckle, ripe orchard fruits and flowers mingled with delicate rose notes. Full-bodied, dense and enveloping, it's layered with a fleshy core of fruit and a sweet, broad mid-palate that leads to a spicy, long and lovely reductive finish. This blend of five different lieux-dits (Cote Chatillon, Chery, Vernon, all in the commune of Condrieu; Volan in the commune of Malleval; and Colombier in the commune of St-Michel-sur-Rhône) will offer a broad drinking window.

JAMES SUCKLING 94 points
The coffee bean note from new oak is quite prominent in the first moment, but there's also a stack of apricots and ripe melon there. Rich, full-bodied and concentrated, with a wonderful silkiness on the expansive palate. The finish is very long with notes of vanilla, coffee and hot stones. Drink from release. - Stuart Pigott

JANCIS ROBINSON 16.5 points
Cask sample. A clovey spice on the nose, oak is forward and present. Big, dense and powerful attack with white peach, rich and weighty and a slight minerality. The oak is well managed on the layered finish. Attractive. (AC)

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ABOUT E. GUIGAL
E. Guigal is a distinguished wine producer based in the Rhône Valley of France, celebrated for its exceptional quality and commitment to traditional winemaking. Founded in 1946 by Émile Guigal, the estate has established a formidable reputation, particularly for its outstanding wines from the Côte Rôtie and other prestigious regions within the Rhône Valley.

The winery is renowned for its mastery of both red and white wines, with a focus on the indigenous grape varieties of the region, including Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier. E. Guigal is particularly famous for its powerful and complex Côte Rôtie wines, which are often lauded for their rich fruit flavours, balance, and aging potential. The estate's signature “La La” series—comprising La Landonne, La Mouline, and La Turque—represents some of the finest expressions of Côte Rôtie, showcasing the specific terroirs of each vineyard and exemplifying the winery’s commitment to craftsmanship.

E. Guigal operates with a philosophy steeped in tradition, employing time-honoured techniques such as whole bunch fermentation and extended aging in oak barrels. This approach allows for a nuanced development of flavours and ensures that each wine reflects the unique characteristics of its source. The winery’s dedication to quality is evident across its entire range, from entry-level wines to rare, limited releases.

Under the stewardship of Marcel Guigal, Émile’s son, the winery has continued to thrive and expand its global reach, receiving numerous accolades and high ratings from critics and publications worldwide. This success has positioned E. Guigal as a benchmark for Rhône wines, making it a sought-after name among collectors and wine enthusiasts.

With a rich heritage, a commitment to excellence, and a passion for showcasing the unique terroir of the Rhône Valley, E. Guigal continues to be a leader in the wine industry, producing exceptional wines that embody the spirit of the region.