Forbidden Fruit of Côte-Rôtie: Why E. Guigal’s La Mouline 2015 Is the Ultimate Divine Indulgence
La Mouline 2015 offers unmatched elegance and complexity, with sumptuous fruit, silky tannins, and legendary aging potential—perfect for the serious collector.
Welcome to the Dark Side
Ever wondered what happens when Zeus gets bored, wanders down to Earth, and decides to put his divine thumbprint on the world's wine map? Well, he picks the steep, vertigo-inducing slopes of Côte-Rôtie, waves his thunderbolt, and voilà—La Mouline happens. And let’s be brutally honest: once you've tasted something touched by the gods, there’s really no going back to mortal wines. This is the kind of juice Dionysus hides from Hera, and I’m here to let you in on why.
In the Glass: A Darkly Seductive Ballet
La Mouline pours like liquid silk, showing off a mesmerizing dark ruby robe with whispers of violet at its edges. As it swirls, aromas explode—a flirtatious dance of violets, crushed raspberries, and dark chocolate-dipped cherries mingle shamelessly with black truffles, freshly turned earth, and an intoxicating breath of incense. This is not a timid nose; it’s unapologetic hedonism. Think Aphrodite crashing a monk’s monastery: scandalous, seductive, and utterly unforgettable.
On the Palate: An Odyssey of Sensual Excess
The first sip of La Mouline feels like stepping through velvet curtains into an exclusive Olympian lounge—plush, decadent, and forbidden. Its texture? Pure hedonism wrapped in satin sheets, with seamless waves of juicy blackberries, smoked meats, and dark spices spilling across your palate. It’s remarkably balanced, with acidity that feels as refreshing as Poseidon’s spray and tannins so finely woven you wonder if Hephaestus himself forged them. Flavors linger like whispers from past lovers—rich tobacco, roasted espresso, and just a trace of vanilla oak from its carefully judged 42 months in barrels.
Behind the Scenes: Guigal’s Divine Gamble
La Mouline isn’t just a wine; it’s a mythical tapestry. Produced by the Guigal family—a house notorious for perfectionism bordering on obsession—it comes from vines clinging precariously to Côte Blonde’s steep terraces. The vines average an insane 75 years old, with Viognier co-fermented with Syrah (a blasphemy or brilliance, depending on your deity) lending an elegance and perfume rarely seen elsewhere. 2015, hailed as one of the Rhône’s most extraordinary vintages, elevated La Mouline into a league even Apollo might envy.
Serving Like the Deity You Are
Don’t be a barbarian—decant this beauty for at least two hours and serve it around 16-18°C. Pair it with seared duck breast with blackberry reduction, a slab of dry-aged ribeye, or go completely rogue with grilled venison and morels. It's food worthy of the ambrosia you’re pouring.
Investment Potential: Worth Every Drachma
La Mouline isn’t just poetic indulgence—it’s serious currency. Critics have showered it with perfect or near-perfect scores (think 98-100 points from heavy hitters like Robert Parker and James Suckling). Its scarcity, with fewer than 400 cases produced annually, means it appreciates faster than Hermes at a relay. Cellar it well, and you’ll see this gem gracefully evolve and spike in value over the next two decades.
Pass on This Bottle and Regret It Eternally
Here’s the blunt truth: life’s too short for average wine. La Mouline 2015 is a fleeting chance to sip history, legend, and scandal all at once. Miss this, and you’ll be left eternally chasing echoes of its greatness in every other wine you taste. So, grab a bottle, pour generously, and drink deeply from the divine cup—you deserve nothing less.
