E Guigal Chateau d'Ampuis Cote Rotie 2009

Scores

97 / 100

"More ripe, voluptuous and decadent, the 2009 Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis offers rocking dark fruits, cured meats, dried flowers, licorice and toasty/graphite-like qualities to go with a full-bodied, pedal-to-the-metal style on the palate. Gaining more and more freshness as it sat in the glass, this prodigious effort can be consumed anytime over the coming 2-3 decades"
- Wine Advocate

96 / 100

"A broad, muscular style, with a distinctive mix of roasted mesquite and apple wood out front, followed by lush raspberry confiture, crushed plum and blackberry fruit flavors. There’s ample depth, with smoldering tobacco, juniper and mocha all mixed on the finish. Relies primarily on bass and pumps along nicely"
- Wine Spectator

94 / 100

"Guigal’s Château d’Ampuis is a blend pulled from seven lieux-dits in Côte Rôtie, including La Virea, the steepest vineyard in the area, each vinified and aged separately, spending 36 months in oak. The 2009 handles that much oak with aplomb, wrapping it into a density of gamey, savory fruit. The acidity and ferrous tannins keep it energized, the tonal spread of the wine spanning several octaves. Refined and sophisticated, it’s a wine for the ages."
- Wine and Spirits Magazine

93 / 100

"Powerful, deeply pitched aromas of singed plum, blackberry, licorice pastille and Indian spices, with an accent of candied flowers. Supple, broad and sweet , displaying intense black and blue fruit, licorice and cracked pepper flavors. The floral element comes back strong on the finish, which is firmed by smooth, slow-building tannins. Shows the power of the vintage to full effect but comes off as surprisingly energetic and fresh."
- Vinous

18.5 / 20

"Pale ruby. Just the merest hint of oxidation. Transparent and fresh – a Côte Rôtie? Very charming and polished. Bone dry and super lively and vivacious. Though one of the more evolved… 18.5/20 points"
- Jancis Robinson MW

Tasting Notes