2019 Cote Rotie Chateau d'Ampuis
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Tasting notes
Brooding and gently somber as usual, the 2019 Côte-Rôtie Château d'Ampuis opens with aromas of chocolate, oak, pencil lead, gentian and dark berries. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and deep, it’s structured around a powerful mid-palate framed by powdery tannins, concluding with a long, mineral and saline finish. This is a classic. (YC) It was the start of the last full day of my 2021 Rhône trip when I pulled into the parking lot at Guigal around 9:30 a.m. Reminder: Always dress warmly when tasting at Guigal, because the cellars are a few degrees cooler than average! The cool temperatures help inhibit the growth of any spoilage organisms during the extended élevage these wines receive.(JC)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
93% Syrah, 7% Viognier. Meaty, sweetly spiced nose. On the palate, even more layers unfurl: plum, prune, dark chocolate, black cherry. Leather and meat on the length. Tells a story: eloquent and bold. (RH) 17.5+/20 Points.
93% Syrah, 7% Viognier. Meaty, sweetly spiced nose. On the palate, even more layers unfurl: plum, prune, dark chocolate, black cherry. Leather and meat on the length. Tells a story: eloquent and bold. (RH)
The alluring 2019 Côte-Rôtie Château d'Ampuis fires on all cylinders. Bold and fleshy, it exhales prominent black cherry compote, crushed violets, pencil shaving, cedar and licorice. Earthy and meaty undertones add more aromatic layers. The full-bodied 2019 hits all the right spots, flawlessly combining elevated ripeness and intensity with balancing freshness. Grippy yet ripe tannins require at least four more years in bottle. (NG)