E. Guigal Château d’Ampuis Côte-Rôtie 2020

Thick, chewy and large-boned, this oozes chocolate and cherry liqueur notes encased in a robe of charred cedar. An intriguing earthiness (wet leaves, tobacco) plays off the spice cake accent and tug of bitterness on a creamy, rich palate, all wrapped up in smoke, camphor and mesquite elements. Impressively balanced, with an endless finish, this contemplative wine is also a hedonistic pleasure. Syrah and Viognier. Drink now through 2040. Collectible. Score – 96. (Kristen Bieler, winespectator.com, Dec. 15, 2024)