Guigal, Cote-Rotie "Brune et Blonde de Guigal", 1989

Guigal’s Brune et Blonde is the gateway to Côte-Rôtie greatness—and in a vintage like 1989, it’s much more than just an intro. This bottle blends fruit from both the Côte Brune and Côte Blonde, combining savory structure with lifted aromatics in a way that only Syrah from this slope can.

Over three decades in, this is classic aged Northern Rhône: smoked meat, black olive, violets, forest floor, and leather, all wrapped around the silky remnants of black cherry and plum. The tannins have melted beautifully, the acidity keeps it alive, and the whole thing just hums with quiet intensity.

It’s proof that Guigal’s “entry” wine isn’t so entry after all—especially when time has done its thing. Decant gently and enjoy the ride.