Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 95
Smoky, briary and complex, the 2018 Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis spent 38 months in new oak, yet it still exudes notes of blackberries and blueberries, testament to the wine’s ample concentration. It’s full-bodied and rich yet silky and long, with hints of mocha and brown sugar appearing on the finish. It’s another beautiful vintage of this cuvee, which combines fruit from seven different parcels (three on the Cote Blonde and four on the Cote Brune).
Anticipated maturity: 2022-2040
JancisRobinson.com 18
38 months in new French oak. Cask sample. It’s remarkable how much better this handles the new oak than their Brune et Blonde, which must be down to sheer fruit power. Rich fruit and juicy acidity giving a fresh finish. (RH)
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2042
Jeb Dunnuck 97
Not scheduled to be on the market until November of 2023, the 2018 Côte Rôtie Chateau D’Ampuis is nevertheless a remarkable Côte Rôtie that readers will love to have in the cellar. Sporting a deep ruby/purple hue as well as awesome Côte Rôtie notes of smoked game, violets, acacia flowers, and both red and black fruits, this beauty is medium to full-bodied, has polished, seamless tannins, and a layered, perfectly balanced mouthfeel. It shows the softer style of the vintage (especially compared to the more structured, tannic 2019) and already offers pleasure, but this will easily evolve for at least two decades.
Anticipated maturity: 2023-2038
