E. GUIGAL Chateau D'Ampuis Cote Rotie 2016

VM: 95

Extremely dark ruby. Powerful, mineral-accented cherry and dark fruit preserve, exotic spice, licorice and incense aromas show sharp delineation and pick up hints of candied flowers and olive with aeration. Sweet, seamless and broad on the palate, offering intense boysenberry, cherry liqueur, fruitcake and floral pastille flavors that slowly tighten up on the back half. Repeats the blue fruit note on an impressively persistent, spice-tinged finish that features sneaky tannins and an appealingly sweet cola flourish.

WS: 95

This lovely version throws off some pretty stylish aromas of incense, black tea and juniper, followed by a focused core of steeped cherry and plum fruit. Subtle mineral and savory details imbue the finish, which offers a mix of velvet and iron elements. Best from 2022 through 2038. 175 cases imported.