The 2015 Guigal Côte Rôtie Château d'Ampuis is a Syrah from the Northern Rhône region of France, known for its exceptional quality and complexity. This vintage is a result of Guigal's meticulous craftsmanship, blending fruit from seven distinguished old-vine parcels and aging it in new oak barrels for 38 months.
Jeb Dunnuck praises this wine with a score of 97, highlighting its "classic bouquet of black raspberries, jammy blackberries, acacia flowers, vanilla bean, and spice." He describes it as full-bodied with a "rounded, expansive mid-palate, sweet tannins, and a great, great finish," suggesting it will age well over the next two decades. Jeff Leve echoes this sentiment, awarding it an impressive 98 points, stating it has "fresh, bright, pure, energetic, peppery cherries" with "purity, intensity, vivacity, and silky textures."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate scores it 95+, noting its density and concentration. The review emphasizes its "dark fruit and rich tannins," supplemented by "hints of vanilla, espresso, and dried spices" on a "long, velvety finish." Similarly, James Suckling gives it a 95, remarking on its "impressively deep aromas" and "super rich and attractive feel" with smooth tannins.
Wine Spectator gives it a slightly lower score of 93, pointing out the "strident" wood influence from the new oak barrels but acknowledging the ripe and rich fruit that promises to balance with age. Decanter rates it 92, appreciating its "aromatic purity" and "appealing red berry fruits," with a well-balanced structure and medium-length finish.
Overall, the 2015 Guigal Côte Rôtie Château d'Ampuis is a highly acclaimed wine, celebrated for its complexity, rich flavors, and aging potential, making it a worthwhile addition to any wine enthusiast’s collection.