1996 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Landonne
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Tasting notes
Pure northern Rhône Syrah nose with black pepper and satin texture. Amazingly mellow now. Really hedonistic and glorious. (JR)
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Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Not as deep crimson as most of the Australians, and at first the nose was very much simpler and somehow fruitier (despite all that famous oaking regime in Ampuis!). It was clearly lighter in weight than most of the rest with black pepper notes and quite distinctive. I wondered whether it could be a Victorian Shiraz, perhaps Heathcote, but as it opened in the glass it was clear that this was a Rhône. Appetising, well-mannered. Quite marked natural acidity (unlike the Rosemount wine I tried immediately before it). Dry and distinctive. (JR)
The 1996 Cote Rotie La Landonne was herbaceous early in life, but is now revealing a black olive/tapenade, melted asphalt character in its smoky, earthy, animal, blackberry, leathery fruit. A masculine, full-bodied offering, with more tannin, it will be drinkable relatively soon. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2018. Importer: Fred Ek, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153