Varietal: Rhone Blend | Location: France - Rhone Valley - Côte-Rôtie
WS 92
WA 91
ST 93
"As Guigal says, the 2004 Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis is "very Burgundian." Forest floor, herb, underbrush, red currant, and sweet cherry notes dominate the aromatics and flavors of this medium-weight, peppery, slightly herbaceous wine. It has turned out to be outstanding, no easy task in a year with record-setting yields and many overly vegetal northern Rhones. This is a sexy, seductive 2004 to enjoy over the next 7-8 years. "
Varietal: Rhone Blend | Location: France - Rhone Valley - Châteauneuf-du-Pape
WS 92
A really supple, perfumy style, with red currant and red plum fruit caressed by sandalwood, licorice root and brown bread notes. The fine-grained finish has excellent length. Drink now through 2022.
Varietal: Rhone Blend | Location: France - Rhone Valley - Châteauneuf-du-Pape
WS 92
WA 89
Taut and reserved for now, with red plum and red currant notes held back by sinewy tannins and a racy minerality. Has solid length, and the flesh should fill out with cellaring. Best from 2008 through 2022. 4,083 cases made.
Varietal: Rhone Blend | Location: France - Rhone Valley - Châteauneuf-du-Pape
WS 95
Has gorgeous mouthfeel, with a racy, fine-grained structure supporting exotic spice, sweet earth, sandalwood and black tea notes, while a core of blackberry and fig fruit waits in reserve. The finish is superfleshy. Drink now through 2027. 230 cases made.
Varietal: Rhone Blend | Location: France - Rhone Valley - Châteauneuf-du-Pape
WS 94
Silky and forward, with black tea, melted licorice, hoisin sauce, mocha and currant fruit flavors gliding along cocoa-tinged tannins. Additional hints of tobacco, chestnut and grilled beef flitter through the finish, which has solid, latent grip. Drink now through 2028. 1,500 cases made.