The 2016 Guigal Cote Rotie Chateau d'Ampuis is a Syrah from the renowned Cote Rotie appellation in the Northern Rhone region of France. With a 13.5% alcohol content and sealed with a traditional cork, this red wine stands out for its complexity and balance.
Jeb Dunnuck, from jebdunnuck.com, awarded this wine an impressive score of 96. He describes it as having a "stunning nose of black raspberry and cassis interwoven with notes of bacon fat, spring flowers, violets, and smoked game." Dunnuck praises its "medium to full-bodied richness" and "seamless texture," noting its "polished tannins" and "wonderful sweetness of fruit." He concludes, "Readers that love classic Côte Rôtie should buy this by the case."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also gave the 2016 Château d'Ampuis a high score of 95. According to the publication, it is a "wonderfully harmonious, medium to full-bodied effort, possessing tremendous energy and length." The review highlights "cedary notes accent red raspberries on the nose," and mentions that the palate reveals "hints of cherries and blueberries," with the finish adding "wiry, herb-and-spice intricacies."
Vinous, another respected wine review outlet, also rated this wine at 95. Josh Raynolds describes it as "extremely dark ruby" with "powerful, mineral-accented cherry and dark fruit preserve, exotic spice, licorice and incense aromas." The palate is marked by "intense boysenberry, cherry liqueur, fruitcake and floral pastille flavors." Raynolds notes the wine's "impressively persistent, spice-tinged finish" with "sneaky tannins and an appealingly sweet cola flourish."
Wine Spectator joined the chorus of praise, awarding the wine a 95 as well. The review by JM notes the wine's "stylish aromas of incense, black tea and juniper," followed by a "focused core of steeped cherry and plum fruit." The finish is described as having "subtle mineral and savory details" with a mix of "velvet and iron elements."
In summary, the 2016 Guigal Cote Rotie Chateau d'Ampuis is a well-regarded Syrah that has earned high praise from multiple professional reviewers. Its complex aroma profile, balanced palate, and potential for aging make it a noteworthy choice for enthusiasts of classic Côte Rôtie wines.