2021 E Guigal St Joseph Rouge, Northern Rhone

This elegant and fresh, medium-bodied St.-Joseph reflects the cooler vintage. Plenty of redcurrant, blood-orange and fresh-plum aromas, plus a touch of pepper. Gentle, moderately dry tannins are married to mineral acidity at the lively finish.

90 points James Suckling

Few names carry more weight in the Rhône Valley than Guigal. Since Etienne Guigal founded the estate in Ampuis in 1946, the family has become synonymous with quality, helping to elevate the reputation of the Northern Rhône on the world stage. Today, the third generation continues the legacy, producing wines that combine precision, consistency and a deep respect for terroir. From everyday Côtes du Rhône to the legendary single vineyard wines of Côte Rôtie, Guigal remains a benchmark for Rhône enthusiasts everywhere.

Saint Joseph stretches along the western bank of the Rhône River, where steep granite slopes provide an ideal home for Syrah. Once overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, the appellation has emerged as one of the Northern Rhône's most exciting sources of value, producing wines that capture the perfume and structure of Syrah without the lofty prices of Hermitage or Côte Rôtie. Guigal's Saint Joseph is sourced from a selection of carefully chosen vineyards, showcasing the appellation's balance of power and elegance.

Deep ruby red in colour, the wine reveals aromas of blackberry, black cherry and plum layered with cracked black pepper, violet and smoked herbs. As it opens, notes of olive tapenade, liquorice and graphite emerge, adding classic Northern Rhône complexity. The palate is medium to full bodied, offering concentrated dark fruits supported by fine tannins and vibrant acidity. A subtle savoury edge runs through the wine, while the granite soils contribute a distinctive mineral character. The finish is long, fresh and peppery, with lingering notes of dark berries and spice.

A superb match for herb crusted lamb, slow cooked beef cheeks, venison sausages, grilled portobello mushrooms or lentils with roasted root vegetables. While already drinking beautifully, the wine has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next eight to twelve years, gaining additional savoury complexity with age.