La Turque vineyard has been acclaimed since the early 20th century, with wines from it exclusively served at the Elysée Palace, according to Philippe Guigal, who currently oversees the Guigal estate. The previous owner of the vineyard failed to pay taxes, according to Philippe, the property was seized and eventually sold to Vidal-Fleury, another Côte Rôtie estate. Philippe’s grandfather, Étienne, who founded Guigal in 1946, previously had worked at Vidal-Fleury so he knew the unique quality of 2.5-ha south-facing La Turque. He eventually was able to buy the vineyard, replant it, and launched it as the second of what is now known as the LaLa’s in 1985. Located on the Côte Brune, La Turque sits on schist soil replete with iron oxide that Philippe explains brings power, color, and tannins to the wine. Like La Mouline, it’s a field blend of Viognier (7 percent) with Syrah. Unlike La Mouline, the 2022 La Turque is less floral, more powerful, and initially less elegant and inviting. But sitting in the glass, it blossoms, allowing the subtle floral character of Viognier to show. Iron-tinged, the 2022 La Turque remains firm, yet balanced. The tannins are apparent but finely polished and not intrusive. From my experience with La Turque, it develops magnificently showing just a touch more oomph than La Mouline while maintaining its alluring aspect.
98 Michael Apstein – June 17, 2026