Guigal Chateau d’Ampuis Cote Rotie 2012

Cote Rotie, Rhone, France

Syrah/Shiraz

750ML / 13% ABV

$150.00

Winemaker Notes

Deep dark color with mauve tints. Spices, black fruits and delicate oak aromas. A dense, expressive and intense nose. A tannic and racy wine. Aromas of prunes, blackberry and vanilla. Powerful, concentrated and structured palate. A wine from a tannic and muscular vintage due to the hot climate. Solid tannins, well rounded by long oak aging.

Critical Acclaim

JS97
James Suckling
The nose has a complex array of fine-ground eastern spices, strong cardamom, fine dark chocolate and ripe black cherries and plums. There’s even some licorice. It has a neatly composed and elegant feel on the palate. It really flows long, rippling with spicy flavors and a smooth, dense and creamy finish. Best from 2028 and for a decade or more.

RP96
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

A wine that will be in bottle by the time you read this, the 2012 Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis (it always incorporates 7% Viognier) will check in behind the sensational 2009 and 2010, but should be on par with the 2005 and 2003. Cassis, licorice, smoked meats, graphite and peppery spice all emerge from this beautifully concentrated, full-bodied, seamless Cote Rotie that has building, ripe tannin, terrific purity and a blockbuster finish. It will have 20-25 years of longevity.

WE95
Wine Enthusiast
Layers of mocha, sweet spice and leather integrate seamlessly into luscious black cherry and fig on the palate of this bold, deeply concentrated wine. It’s sumptuous, with a kaleidoscope of smoky mineral complexities and a backbone that’s peppery and fresh. The long finish is framed by sweet, silken tannins.
WS95
Wine Spectator
This is lavishly toasted, with a frame of mocha, ganache and black tea notes, matched to a gorgeous core of raspberry pâte de fruit, blackberry puree and plum sauce flavors. Exhibits a long, alluring, polished feel through the finish. This has a ways to go before opening up. Best from 2018 through 2030.