Guigal Cote Rotie Chateau D'Ampuis 2015 (750ML)

97 WS / 97 JD / 95+ WA / 95 VM / 95 JS

2015 Guigals are some of the finest Northern Rhones that you’ll collect and enjoy. The Chateau d’Ampuis is actually a blend of 7 exceptional terroirs: Le Clos "Côte Blonde", La Garde "Côte Blonde", La Grande Plantée "Côte Blonde", La Pommière "Côte Brune", Le Pavillon Rouge "Côte Brune". Le Moulin "Côte Brune" La Viria "Côte Brune". Some consider the Ampuis as the 4^th La La but at a 5^th of the price, since the wine is consistently of such superb quality. If there’s a jewel in the Guigal portfolio that over-delivers, then this is it! - Ron van Vlaardingen, GVWM

A gorgeous core of steeped raspberry, boysenberry and fig fruit gives this a showy side. A lush structure flows underneath, while long echoes of warm ganache, black tea and espresso linger. The fruit keeps this in the suave and alluring camp overall, though there’s plenty of grip for cellaring. Best from 2022 through 2042.—J.M -Wine Spectator

I loved the 2015 Côte Rôtie Château D'Ampuis from barrel, and this beauty does not disappoint from bottle. Coming from a handful of top sites, it’s made in the same fashion as the top La Las, seeing four years in new barrels. Deep purple-hued with a classic bouquet of black raspberries, jammy blackberries, acacia flowers, vanilla bean, and spice, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a rounded, expansive mid-palate, sweet tannins, and a great, great finish. Savvy readers will stock up on this beauty. Give it 3-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades or more. - Jeb Dunnuck

The 2015 Cote Rotie Chateau d'Ampuis is remarkably dense and concentrated, packed with dark fruit and rich tannins. It's full-bodied and supple on the mid-palate, adding hints of vanilla, espresso and dried spices on the long, velvety finish. Give it another 3-4 years in the cellar, then drink it over the next two decades. - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

Brilliant violet. Powerful, smoke-tinged dark berry preserve, candied violet, olive and fruitcake aromas show excellent clarity and pick up a spicy element with air. Palate-staining blackberry, cherry liqueur, bitter chocolate and floral pastille flavors are sharpened by a suggestion of cracked pepper. Surprisingly light on its feet given the depth of flavor and power. Finishes extremely long and floral, with steadily building tannins and a sneaky touch of exotic spices. JR - Vinous Media

Impressively deep aromas of graphite, tar, dark plums, blackberries, chocolate, pepper and all manner of baking spices. The palate has a super rich and attractive feel with smooth tannins, saturated in blackberry and chocolate flavors. This has such dramatic depth and youthful power still. Try from 2023. - JamesSuckling .com