March 23, 2024 - Very solid Côte-Rôtie! Perfect pop and pour with development in the glass. Somewhat ripe fruit-forward style but not overly so, with solid core of acidity and moderate well-integrated tannins. Lovely earthy nose, beautiful dark ruby color. Not as much spice as I expect from northern Rhône, but sufficient. Three superb bottles consumed with friends with steak dinner.
February 22, 2024 - On the nose: Orange, black pepper, smoked meat, sweet red berries and very dark berries.
On the palate: Blue fruit, dark berries, orange smoked meat, cappuccino some alcohol and very fine and present tannins.
Long finish.
February 22, 2024 - så jävla bra! oväntat bra, så pigg frukt och sånt djup. slog 2008 och 2010 ikväll.
February 5, 2024 - High alcohol and red fruit aromatics, seemingly lightly oaked too. In fact.. 36 month oak ageing, but the fruit and gaminess shallows its effect.
Wow! Super fresh and lively, acid M with a sweet long finish. The comes swarves of dark fruit and some dried flowers too, the mouthfeel is both deep as well as balanced.
d’Ampuis is between Rhône and ancient vineyards of the Côte-Rôtie. Produced from 7 of the most exceptional plots of the domaine, Château d’Ampuis is made from predominan Syrah with a little Viognier.
For the Rhône Valley, the vintage of 2009 was fantastic for both north and south. For the Northern Rhône, where Cote Rotie is.. a warm, dry spring kicked off a rapid growing season which saw both an early budburst and flowering.
Although, the weather remained warm, the nights were reassuringly cool preserving acidity in the grapes. Conditions were so good that controlling yields throughout the growing season was, arguably, the biggest challenge.
Thanks brother RN for sharing this special bottle, it may have been the youngest in our line-up but boy was it special... I think some of the lads figured our its a Rhone, but went down the path of CdP and its 13 plus varietals!! Pure Syrah with a drop of Viognier? What magic from the mighty E Guigal!
5th Feb 2024
Butchers Table (our clubhouse!), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
February 2, 2024 - Earthy, minty, a touch of charcoal. Very serious, but not brooding. Decanted briefly before consuming - it didn't change much when exposed to air. More savory than fruity. It'll go longer, it'll probably develop more nuances, yet really enjoyable now.
Pair with substantive cuisine.
January 12, 2024 - Amazing bottle - takes a bit of air at the beginning to take off notes of vanilla. Even in the begging could tell this was a relatively smooth bottle with great red fruits and a hint of animal fat
There is still a ton of power in this wine. Will continue to check in over the years. Had a glass the next time - vacuum sealed but left at room temp - and was still fantastic.
I would buy more - have over a case left - if it was in short supply
January 6, 2024 - Un nez renversant ! Épices (mesquite), gras de bacon, fruits noirs, réglisse, notes florales, fumé, tabac, cendre, genévrier...magnifique ! Rond et fondu...souple et gracieux...complexe et étagé. Long et savoureux. Unique et sophistiqué. Très bon maintenant et d'ici quelques années encore...difficile d'attendre !
December 24, 2023 - Consistent with previous tasting notes. After only about an hour of decanting, this bottle was singing I think it’s in its prime.
November 19, 2023 - Very good wine; still fairly primary and tight. Needs time but ends up quite good with air
November 11, 2023 - deep earth and dark red mixed wild berry; the oak is noticeable, but sweet and integrated; good balance and length