The 2024 Saint-Joseph Blanc Lieu-Dit, 2023 Saint-Joseph Rouge Lieu-Dit, and 2023 Saint-Joseph Vignes de l'Hospice beautifully captured the energy, elegance, and sense of place that make the Northern Rhône so compelling. Even more impressive, they do so at roughly a quarter of the price of the celebrated Côte-Rôties.
I recently had the good fortune to attend a Guigal tasting led by Patrick Will of Vintus Imports. Patrick has probably forgotten more about Guigal and the Rhône Valley than I will ever know, but on this occasion, he wasn't the main attraction.
The buzz surrounding the event centered on the debut of a new addition to Guigal's legendary "La La" lineup of Côte-Rôtie wines. For decades, La Landonne, La Turque, and La Mouline have set the benchmark for Northern Rhône Syrah, and the unveiling of La Reynarde was major news in the wine world.
The La Las were every bit as impressive as their reputation suggests. They delivered the depth, complexity, and age-worthy structure that have made them icons. Yet, if I'm being honest, it was the Saint-Joseph wines that stole the show for me.
The 2024 Saint-Joseph Blanc Lieu-Dit, 2023 Saint-Joseph Rouge Lieu-Dit, and 2023 Saint-Joseph Vignes de l'Hospice beautifully captured the energy, elegance, and sense of place that make the Northern Rhône so compelling. Even more impressive, they do so at roughly a quarter of the price of the celebrated Côte-Rôties.
That's not to say the La Las aren't worth their lofty price tags—I purchased some for the shop because they are truly exceptional wines. But these Saint-Joseph bottlings offer remarkable value and an equally compelling expression of the region. They combine power with finesse, showcasing the balance and purity that define the best wines of the Northern Rhône.
For wine lovers looking to experience the character of this legendary region without venturing into four-figure territory, Guigal's Saint-Joseph wines may be the smartest buy in the portfolio.