The 2018 Guigal Cote Rotie Chateau d'Ampuis is a highly regarded Syrah from the Northern Rhone region of France. This red wine, produced by Guigal, boasts an impressive alcohol content of 14.5% and is sealed with a cork closure. The wine has garnered significant attention from various wine reviewers, earning high scores and praise across the board.
Jeb Dunnuck awarded the wine a stellar 97 points, noting its deep ruby/purple hue and describing it as "a remarkable Côte Rôtie that readers will love to have in the cellar." He highlighted the wine's aromas of smoked game, violets, acacia flowers, and both red and black fruits. Dunnuck also praised its medium to full-bodied nature, polished and seamless tannins, and perfectly balanced mouthfeel. He emphasized that while it offers pleasure now, it will evolve beautifully for at least two decades.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the wine 95 points, commending its smoky, briary, and complex profile. The wine, which spent 38 months in new oak, exudes notes of blackberries and blueberries, indicating its ample concentration. The review mentioned its full-bodied and rich nature, with silky and long finish that hints at mocha and brown sugar. The Advocate praised the wine's blend of fruit from seven different parcels, calling it "another beautiful vintage of this cuvée."
James Suckling also rated the wine highly, with a score of 96 points. He described the nose as "very deep, smoky and spicy," leading to a concentrated, focused, and elegant palate. Suckling noted delicate notes of coconut and pomegranate, as well as a very long, polished finish with delicate sweetness and underplayed power.
Wine Spectator provided a 94-point review, describing the wine as "dense, brooding," and packed with flavors of smoked meat, boysenberry, dried fig, black tea, and charred cedar. The review highlighted its formidable tannins and smoky, savory finish, suggesting it is still approaching its prime and can be enjoyed now through 2030.
Vinous also gave the wine a 96-point score, noting its "glass-staining violet color" and expansive black and blue fruit, licorice, incense, and floral qualities. The review praised the wine's smooth and expansive style, with palate-coating cherry-vanilla, cassis, and blueberry flavors. Vinous highlighted the wine's extremely long, sappy, and appealingly sweet finish, with steadily building tannins and resonating blue fruit, spice, and floral notes.
Overall, the 2018 Guigal Cote Rotie Chateau d'Ampuis is a complex, well-structured wine with high praise from various reviewers. Its rich and concentrated profile, along with its potential for aging, makes it a standout choice for enthusiasts and collectors alike.