1978 Cote Rotie La Mouline

I have had this wine more than two dozen times (lucky me), and it is one of the most thrilling wines I could ever drink. I loved it when it was an infant, and now that it may, or may not be, fully mature, I still think it is the quintessential expression of Guigal's La Mouline. The color remains an inky garnet, with no perceptible lightening at the edges. The celestial aromas include copious quantities of black raspberries, coconut, smoked duck, Asian spices, and violets. It overloads the olfactory senses. On the palate, this wine reveals unreal concentration, layers of thick, juicy fruit, beautifully integrated acidity and tannin, and a sumptuous finish that lasts for more than a minute. This seamless beauty is one of the greatest wines made in this century. If I were forced to drink just one wine ... let it be this! Anticipated maturity: now-2015. Last tasted 5/96. Robert Parker, Rhone Book # B3.