Guigal Chateau d'Ampuis Cote Rotie 2018

Drink it now or cellar for up to 30 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in the heart of the Cote Rotie appellation in the Rhone Valley, Domaine E. Guigal owns unique vineyards in terroirs of enormous prestige. Founded in 1946, the company, now led by Marcel Guigal and his son Philippe, the second and third generations of the family, acquired the famous Chateau d'Ampuis in 1995. The Syrah and Viognier grapes for the Cote Rotie Château d'Ampuis are selected from a vineyard that includes some terroirs of great quality and prestige (including Le Clos "Côte Blonde", La Pommière "Côte Brune", Le Pavillon Rouge "Côte Brune"), with vines planted on steep terraces on biotitic and muscovitic granite soils. After vinification, the finished wine rests in oak barrels for 38 months. In the glass, the wine reveals a bright and deep color with dark red tones and some nuances that tend towards purple. On the nose, it releases intense aromas of ripe black fruits and baking spices, interspersed with delicate woody notes. On the palate, it is expressive and concentrated, powerful and well-structured with firm and well-integrated tannins and a long finish that recalls notes of dark fruits and vanilla. It can remain in the cellar for several years, but for those who cannot resist the temptation to open a bottle, best to decant it and serve it with red meat or game.

Price: £101.89 from 8wines UK