eRobertParker.com #214 - Aug 2014
Score : 91
Shining in the vintage, the 2008 Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis (which incorporated grapes from only 5 of the normally used 7 vineyards) offers ample black pepper, cured meats, wood smoke and cassis to go with a medium to full-bodied, layered and finely textured profile on the palate. Possessing good concentration and tannin, it should be consumed over the coming decade. Jeb Dunnuck.
Wine Advocate #193 - Feb 2011
Score : (90-92)
As I have mentioned before, the Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis is a blend of some of the very best sites the Guigal family owns in Cote Rotie. This cuvee is aged 38 months in 100% new oak casks, and about 2,000 cases are produced. The component parts include the famed vineyards of La Garde, L’Enclos, Grande-Plantee, Pommiere, Pavillon, Le Moulin and more recently, La Viria, which I still believe will turn out to be Guigal’s fourth single vineyard Cote Rotie when Marcel and his son, Philippe, decide it can stand alone. The medium-bodied 2008 should turn out to be outstanding in what is a incredibly difficult vintage. It has put on weight since last year, revealing sweet herbal notes intermixed with red and black currants, bacon fat, bay leaf, incense and camphor. Robert Parker.
Wine Spectator - Issue: Sep 30, 2012
Score: 92
This displays nice stuffing for the vintage, with smoky incense leading to the bay leaf, cedar, roasted vanilla bean, black tea and mulled currant fruit core. Lightly taut, showing a slightly grainy edge on the finish, but excellent length and range as well. Best from 2013 through 2022. 1,665 cases made. James Molesworth.
Guide Bettane & Desseauve des Vins de France
Score : 17/20
Un toucher raffiné, les arômes généralement poivrés du millésime laissent ici la place à un fruité rouge gourmand, une suavité étonnante pour l’année. Bravo ! Les 38 mois d’élevage ont été bien utiles.