Guigal La Landonne 2019 (750ML)

98-100 WA / 98-100 JD / 96-98 VM / 97 DE / 97 JS / 97 WS / 18.5+ JR

The impenetrably dark 2019 Cote Rotie La Landonne represents the essence of this fabled lieu-dit, combining peppery, herbal notions with espresso and roasted meat, all carried by ample plum and black cherry fruit. It's full-bodied, concentrated, richly tannic and long on the finish—simply a superb wine that should be flirting with perfection when it is released in a couple of years. - JC, Wine Advocate

As always, the 2019 Côte Rôtie La Landonne is all Syrah that was not destemmed and will spend four years in new French oak. A wine with perfection written all over it, it's one of the most impressive barrel samples to ever pass this critic's lips. Deep purple/black-hued with a massive, full-bodied, brooding style, it has classic smoky, meaty black fruits, a touch of iron, graphite, tobacco, and pepper, building tannins, and a huge finish. This is pure brilliance in Syrah, yet as with just about every vintage here, it will require a solid decade of bottle age. - Jeb Dunnuck

Powerful, spice- and mineral-accented black/blue fruit liqueur, exotic spice, olive and incense aromas show superb clarity and pick up hints of smoky bacon, mocha and candied licorice with aeration. Sweet, seamless and penetrating in the mouth, offering densely packed boysenberry, cherry liqueur, fruitcake and vanilla flavors and a touch of salty olive paste. Shows outstanding energy on the strikingly persistent finish, which features polished tannins and resonating floral, blue fruit and smoked meat qualities. -- Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media

Dark, opaque colour. This has that closed, dark austerity you would expect. Gently sweet with a touch of Lapsang Souchong tea in the background - this is full-bodied with very silky tannins. It's extracted, but not over-extracted, with good tannic weight and depth. Powerful, driving, not overly rich or ripe or alcoholic. Oak at this stage appears integrated. A very good vintage, very sleek, a thoroughbred steed. From the northern part of this lieu-dit, planted in 1975 to commemorate the birth of Philippe Guigal. At the beginning of its 42 months in new French oak barriques. - Matt Walls, Decanter

Still very youthful, this has a deep nose of smoke, bitter chocolate and herbal liqueur. The gigantic tannin structure on the palate will need many years of further aging to completely resolve, but the tannins are fine which gives the super-long finish an extraordinary texture, like old-fashioned velvet. So much smoke and crushed rock character! A pure syrah which is then fermented with 100% whole bunches. Matured in 100% new oak for 42 months. Drinkable now, but best from 2026, and even then you should decant it. - SP, JamesSuckling .com

Firing on all cylinders, this simmers with massive power and range. Boasts a dark, brooding core of black plum, fig paste, strappy black licorice and fruitcake flavors supported by a formidable iron spine. Chewy in feel, with grilled aniseed and warm mesquite smoke adding salty sweetness. Though its tannins are mellowing, this still has a lifetime ahead in the cellar. A showstopper. Best from 2025 through 2040. From France.—K.B., Wine Spectator

Cask sample, tasted at the domaine. This shows that peaty smoke ash-tinged (whole-bunch ferment) nose with cherries and a ferrous note. It has a wonderful grip to it, powerful and commanding – the freshness peppers the palate with a savoury twist and powerful firm finish. A baby. - (AC) JancisRobinson.com