Guigal   La Landonne

2012 La Landonne

By Guigal

2012 La Landonne from Guigal, Rhone

Embarking on our exploration of the 2012 La Landonne from Guigal, it is important to consider the uniqueness of this highly acclaimed Rhone vintage. Notably, 2012 was a year of charming surprises in the Rhone, a departure from characteristically bold structured vintages, presenting us with an expressive and elegant sway instead.

 

Marvelous Maturation - A Wine Investment Gem

The attractiveness of the 2012 La Landonne as a wine investment lies in its impeccable maturation process. Guigal has always been a pacesetter in utilizing extended aging to coax out every nuanced layer of flavor and complexity from each grape harvested. The 42 months of nurturing in new oak barrels have served the 2012 vintage particularly well.

This allowed the Syrah grapes - the glorious star that speaks to northern Rhone’s bounty - to develop an engrossing depth that intrigues with every sip. The confluence of maturation time and outstanding winemaking skill bore a tipple that adeptly balances power, finesse, and subtlety.

 

Forged By Climate, Shaped by Terroir

The more moderate climate conditions during 2012 played a pivotal role in shaping a vintage distinctly different from its predecessors. The cooler growing conditions allowed for prolonged ripening, providing an opportunity for generating more intricate flavors and aromas.

The 2012 La Landonne meets you with bragging rights to a persuasive nose of ripe blackberries and violets, balanced by an alluring undertow of smoky minerality from the distinct terroir this La Landonne vineyard is privileged to possess.

 

Distinctly 2012 - Elegance Personified

What sets the 2012 La Landonne apart is its opulent expression of richness complemented by an elegantly poised structure - it is a wine that captivates, confounds, and consistently delivers. Blackcurrant, leather, and seductive whispers of licorice dance on the palate, held together by a symphony of fine-grained tannins and seasoned oak. This vintage masters the captivating act of exhibiting power with refinement.

The 2012 La Landonne from Guigal echoes the discernable virtues of a vintage chiseled by unique climatic conditions and masterful execution in its winemaking process. Just like Rhone's revered vineyards, this vintage stands testament to how beautifully wine can mediate the expressions of time and nature. Both as an epicurean delight and investment opportunity, the 2012 La Landonne promises a performance unlike any other.

Current market price

$5,490.00

12x75cl

Highest score

100

POP score

165

Scores and tasting notes

100

The utterly perfect 2012 Côte Rôtie La Landonne is the star of three single vineyards in 2012. Possessing an off-the-charts sexiness in its layered, concentrated and full-bodied style, it has a wealth of fruit, ripe tannin, a stacked mid-palate and pedal-to-the-metal notes of black fruits, scorched earth, caramelized meats and crushed rocks. While this cuvée normally needs a decade to become drinkable, there’s a sweetness of fruit here that allows it to offer incredible pleasure even today. Nevertheless, give bottles 5-6 years and enjoy over the following three decades.

Jeb Dunnuck - The Wine Advocate, 30 December 2016

Vintage performance