Guigal Côte-Rôtie Château d'Ampuis 2016 1.5L

96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Moving to the top Côte Rôties, the 2016 Côte Rôtie Chateau D'Ampuis comes from a blend of top sites (7 different lieux-dits) and sees the same care and élevage as the La Las. Revealing a ruby/purple hue as well as a stunning nose of black raspberry and cassis interwoven with notes of bacon fat, spring flowers, violets, and smoked game, this beauty hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless texture, and gorgeous overall balance. The tannins are polished, and it has wonderful sweetness of fruit as well as considerable elegance. A classic 2016 that does everything right, it cedes very little, if anything, to the more expensive single vineyard releases. Readers that love classic Côte Rôtie should buy this by the case. Give bottles 4-5 years and enjoy over the following 15+. Drink: 2024-2040. (11/19/20)"

95+ points Falstaff Guide: "On the nose: wild cherry and white pepper, menthol, herbal tones and fresh fruity motifs, accompanied by wild raspberry. The palate is silky and juicy, with only a very restrained oak influence, the typical oiliness of the vineyard does not lead to breadth, but remains elegant and fresh, guided by acidity and minerality. Long and homogeneous, and already a pleasure to drink. (10/7/22)"

95 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "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. Drink: 2025-2035. (Apr 2020)"

95 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "The 2016 Cote Rotie Chateau d'Ampuis remains a wonderfully harmonious, medium to full-bodied effort, possessing tremendous energy and length. Cedary notes accent red raspberries on the nose, while the streamlined palate brings hints of cherries and blueberries, and the finish adds wiry, herb-and-spice intricacies. This has gained in stature since my last barrel tasting. Drink: 2023-2040. (May 2021)"

95 points Wine Spectator: "[$175/750ml list] 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. (2/28/21)"