Guigal La Mouline 2009 (750ML)

100 WA / 100 WCI / 98 WS / 19 JR

The 2009 Cote Rotie La Mouline possesses off-the-charts richness. Like all the vintages, it comes from the Cote Blonde and is co-fermented with 11% Viognier. Its 13.5% alcohol is one of the highest in all the La Moulines made to date, which shows you that these wines are never that powerful. Extraordinary layers of concentration offer up notes of roasted coffee, sweet black cherries, black raspberries, blackberries, licorice and hints of spring flowers as well as lychee nuts (no doubt attributable to the floral/honeysuckle character of Viognier). With its full-bodied, extravagant richness, the 2009 La Mouline should be relatively approachable in 1-2 years, and last for two decades or more.- Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

If there was a trophy for future legend, this would be a contender for first prize. Everything here was simply perfect! Rich and concentrated beyond belief, texturally, this is pure sex and sensuality. Opulent, rich, velvety, long and deep, even now, it is simply incredible to drink. Although, its best days are in the future, perhaps 5-7 years from now.-Jeff Leve, Wine Cellar Insider

Dense and grippy now, with roasted alder, bittersweet ganache and freshly roasted espresso notes leading the way, though there's a very dense core of crushed plum, black currant and blackberry fruit in reserve. A gorgeous charcoal stitching takes over on the finish. Offers loads of muscle, but also terrific cut and drive through the finish. Best from 2015 through 2040. 416 cases made.-James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

A very early cask sample but Marcel could not resist letting me see this at the end of our tasting. ‘I’m attracted to it like a lover,’ he said, hovering over the cask with his wine thief, ‘usually La Mouline is untaste-able before January.’ Such richness! Yet such life. Racy and gorgeous already.-Jancis Robinson