2006 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Turque

Masculine and burly, the 2006 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Turque is an absolutely stunning effort that delivers explosive aromas of rusted iron, blood, and crushed rock that are supported by smoky, meaty dark fruits. Ripe and concentrated on the palate, with full bodied power and depth, perfect balance, and huge underlying structure and tannin the comes through on the finish, this is actually approachable now given the level of fruit and texture; however, this needs 8-10 years bottle age, and should drink well for decades!

Bright ruby. Pungent dark berry and cherry-vanilla aromas are complemented by anise, pipe tobacco and black cardamom. Smoky cherry and blackcurrant flavors are deep and nicely focused, with building tannins and a seductively sweet quality. Shows more power than the La Mouline but less finesse. Finishes on a lively, bittersweet cherry note, with outstanding persistence and lingering elements of spice and smoke. (JR)

Brilliant crimson and very, very Syrah nose. Marcel suggested it smelt of griottes cherries. This seemed to be tightening up. In Late Oct 2009 it seemed a little bit less luscious than La Mouline but it had a very confident line and direction and good attack. (JR)