2011 La Turque - Cote Brune from Guigal, Rhone

The 2011 vintage of La Turque - Cote Brune from Guigal is a voluptuous offering that perfectly exemplifies the distinct characteristics of its birth year. The 2011 vintage tempered the normally robust temperament of Guigal's famed La Turque offering, due to a combination of climatic challenges and an otherwise somewhat overlooked vintage.

Taste and substance, a savvy wine investment

La Turque's inherent vivacity resonates with investors seeking for noteworthy, ripe wines with depths to explore. The 2011 vintage offered a warm yet subtle embrace of its characteristically concentrated and intense profile. This was accomplished without sacrificing the inherent power and longevity for which these prestigious Rhone wines are revered.

Guigal's deft crafting allows La Turque 2011 to stand out within its lineage. The wine presents itself with an exotic and complex expression, bearing softer tannins and an earthy Pantheon of flavours marrying plum, blackberry, surrounded by gentle hints of smoky oak and black pepper. This blend keys into the investor’s penchant for retaining iconic bottles as they mature.

Challenging conditions, rewarding wines

The year 2011 was not without its climatic trials in Rhone. An early spring onset was followed by a cooler summer - a stark contract to the more common baking hot spells often seen during this season. These alternating conditions led to lower yields but concentrated fruits, providing a less opulent yet meticulously refined version of the famously full-bodied, rich Syrah.

The result is an exquisite juxtaposition - the robust fruit complexity one would expect from La Turque yet tempered by underlying restraint and elegance. A fine addition to any cellar, this wine will not only reward investment but will continue to evolve, much like the dedicated vintner's who braved the unpredictable 2011 season.

A further testament to the power of patience and perseverance, the 2011 La Turque - Cote Brune from Guigal whispers of the Rhone valley's capacity for endless reinvention. Its distinct identity marks it as a compelling acquisition for both seasoned collectors and novice investors alike.