2005 Guigal Cote Rotie Chateau d' Ampuis

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Oct. 2006
The fabulous 2005 Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis is a resounding success. This is the first vintage where Guigal’s newest acquisition, the Syrah from the Viria Vineyard (essentially a fourth single vineyard), is included in the blend. Dark ruby/purple to the rim, it boasts an extraordinary bouquet of ground pepper, creme de cassis, blackberries, coffee, bacon fat, and herbs. With outstanding concentration, huge tannin, and massive intensity as well as extract, it needs 7-8 years of cellaring, and should keep for 30-35 years.    96-98 points