2016 La Turque - Cote Brune
By Guigal
2016 La Turque - Cote Brune by Guigal, Rhone
The crystalline splendour of Guigal's 2016 La Turque - Cote Brune unlocks a new dimension of complexity in this superlative Rhone vintage. As a pinnacle of terroir expression, La Turque arises from the geological intersection between schist and igneous rock, situated squarely on the sun-saturated Cote Brune with its steep angles and clay-rich soil.
Earth's Message in A Bottle
La Turque from Guigal has always been an emblem of fine oenological craftsmanship, a celebration of the deepest Syrah notes. However, the 2016 vintage of La Turque - Cote Brune has magnified these intrinsic qualities to an investable degree. Aligned with a well-balanced growing season and optimal harvest conditions, it exhibits compelling signs of longevity that far surpass many preceding vintages.
Through the lens of the seasoned wine investor, wines that show such promise captivate not only by their pleasure upon the palate but also by their ability to evolve, mature and appreciate in value over time.
Rhone's Rejoinder to Brilliance
Rhone experienced a relatively gentle winter in 2016, which was followed by periods of refreshing spring rainfall saturating the soil with vital nourishment for vine growth. The sun then lent its effulgence during the summer months, delicately coaxing out finesse and vibrant fruit character in each grape.
The 2016 vintage gifted splendidly endowed wines exhibiting generous fruit expression underpinned by structural integrity - an ideal concoction for graceful ageing.
This lavishly layered La Turque sparkles with dark cherry hues, unfurling velvety aromas of blackberry and smoked meat, nuanced by subtle hints of black pepper and violet. Seamless integration of oak and tannins mark this vintage, rendering each sip silky yet forceful - a symphony of nuance and verve.
The 2016 La Turque - Cote Brune from Guigal, with its consummate balance and tantalising evolution potential, affords the discerning wine investor a portfolio gem that ripens both in value and complexity.
Market price (CAD)
$4,050.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
135.56
Scores and tasting notes
Loaded with exotic perfumes of spring flowers and ripe berries, the 2016 Cote Rotie La Turque looks more like the wine I first tasted back in 2017. Medium to full-bodied, it's exquisitely silky and elegant from start to incredibly long finish; while there is ample concentration and a fine, lacy framework of tannins to support the fruit, the tannins virtually melt away into the background, leaving behind lingering notes of salted licorice and mocha. Approachable now, it should drink well for at least two decades.
Joe Czerwinski - The Wine Advocate, 13 May 2021