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The 2020 E. Guigal Côte Rôtie La Turque is shaping up to be a terrific vintage, reminiscent of the 2018 with its pure, seamless, full-bodied, and elegant profile. This wine is a blend of 93% Syrah and 7% Viognier, with vines averaging 40 years old. La Turque is a central part of Côte Brune, a neglected vineyard acquired by Guigal around 1980, with its first vintage released in 1985. The 2020 vintage is noted for its concentration and underplayed power, with a graceful character and well-integrated toasty oak. It's described as a classic vintage with the necessary weight and tannins for aging. 【A classic Côte Rôtie with significant aging potential】.
Tasting Notes: The wine presents a deep ruby color with dark tints. On the nose, it offers intensely aromatic, powerful, and elegant notes of small red fruit, blackberry, and morello cherry, along with darker, more assertive aromas wrapped in stone and smoke. Expect a dense weave of red and black fruits, a firm mineral thread of granite and schist, and spices like black pepper and star anise, evolving into gamey smoky bacon, coffee grounds, and fresh earth. The palate is full-bodied, heavy, and supple, with a core of concentrated black fruit, blackberries, and black cherries, balanced by bright acidity and pliable tannins. Flavors of cured-ham meatiness, black liquorice, and crushed stone minerality are also present. Some critics also note hints of espresso, barrel char, purple raspberries, cassis, graphite, and smoked meats.
Food Pairing: Given its bold and complex profile, this Côte Rôtie would be an excellent match for rich, savory dishes. Consider pairings with roasted lamb, beef tenderloin, game meats, or strong, aged cheeses. Its smoky and spicy notes would also complement dishes with a hint of char or robust seasonings.
Event Suggestions: This is a wine built for the cellar, but if opened now, it would be a showstopper for special occasions, celebratory dinners, or a sophisticated tasting event. Its complexity and aging potential make it a thoughtful gift for a serious wine collector.