Millésime 2006

Wine Advocate #193 - Feb 2011

Score : 92

As I have mentioned before, the Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis is a blend of some of the very best sites the Guigal family owns in Cote Rotie. This cuvee is aged 38 months in 100% new oak casks, and about 2,000 cases are produced. The component parts include the famed vineyards of La Garde, L’Enclos, Grande-Plantee, Pommiere, Pavillon, Le Moulin and more recently, La Viria, which I still believe will turn out to be Guigal’s fourth single vineyard Cote Rotie when Marcel and his son, Philippe, decide it can stand alone. The 2006 exhibits gamy black currant, wood spice, roasted herb and bacon notes in a full-bodied, rich, chewy style. It was showing a bit more spicy oak than most Guigal wines tend to exhibit. It should drink nicely for 10-15 years. Drink: 2011 - 2026. Robert Parker.

Wine Spectator - Jun 15, 2010

Score: 92

Still a touch tight, this builds slowly, with tangy red and black currant fruit married to dark olive notes. There's a tarry edge on the finish, with lingering iron and espresso notes that gain steam nicely as they air in the glass. Drink now through 2019. 2,500 cases made. James Molesworth.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Jan/Feb 10

Score : 92-94

Bright ruby. Powerful, mineral-dominated aromas of black raspberry, cherry preserves and fresh flowers. Fleshy, palate-staining red and dark berry flavors are energized by tangy minerals, gaining sweetness with air. The very persistent finish repeats the red berry notes and leaves mouthwatering minerality behind. This wine's precision and energy are impressive. Josh Raynolds.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Jan/Feb 11

Score : 93

Vivid ruby. Red and dark berry preserves and spice cake on the nose, with complicating floral qualities that gain strength with air. Very fresh, with intense black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors supported by a firm spine of minerality. Fine-grained and nimble, with admirable finishing clarity and precision. Josh Raynolds.