A desert island wine (as is just about any top vintage of the cuvee) and a gorgeous showing, the 2003 Cote Rotie la Mouline is drinking beautifully, yet is still young, loaded with fruit, and possesses over-the-top richness. Giving up notions of plum, liquid flowers, potpourri and smoked meats, this puppy is full-bodied, massive and layered on the palate, with a stacked mid-palate, thrilling amounts of texture, and a blockbuster-styled finish. There’s nothing classic about it, but it’s still as good as it gets. - Jeb Dunnuck

Racy and defined, with a torrent of pure red currant and raspberry ganache that pours out from the core, around which a mouthwatering mineral note swirls. Has a terrific spine, with iron and spice notes mingling with the endless stream of raspberry fruit. Purer than the La Landonne and the La Turque in 2003, without the vintage's extra roasted power. A really stunning display of fruit and precision. Drink now through 2030. 230 cases made. –JM

At this embryonic stage I prefer this to “La Turque”. The nose has more sense of terroir, more minerality and definition with ripe blackberry, hedgerow, cassis and plum. The palate is tannic, muscular with the oak in better harmony with the wine itself, complementing rather than dominating it. Cherry, plum and raspberry with that minerally element noticeable in the background and sure to play a part in the future. Strangely, I was expecting more persistency on the lush finish. A pretty amazing wine for sure, but not one I would necessarily covet more the Guigal’s other vintages. Alluring.

How can a wine be this hugely concentrated, yet remain supremely elegant? Espresso, black olive and floral notes zoom from the glass, backed by layers of rich, creamy cherry fruit, making this a complex, complete wine. Tannins are amazingly supple, imparting a velvety feel to the long finish. Drink now–2025 and beyond.