Showing a bit of cedar and vanilla at this stage, Guigal's 2020 Cote Rotie Chateau d'Ampuis is a bit less impressive than other recent vintages. It still has plenty of cherry fruit, but this medium to full-bodied effort comes across as slightly simple and chunky. I expect it will smooth out and add layers during its élevage.

Smoky, briary and complex, the 2018 Cote Rotie Chateau d'Ampuis spent 38 months in new oak, yet it still exudes notes of blackberries and blueberries, testament to the wine's ample concentration. It's full-bodied and rich yet silky and long, with hints of mocha and brown sugar appearing on the finish. It's another beautiful vintage of this cuvée, which combines fruit from seven different parcels (three on the Cote Blonde and four on the Cote Brune).

A big step up over the 2017 Brune & Blonde (which I rated 91 points back in May 2021), Guigal's 2017 Cote Rotie Chateau d'Ampuis epitomizes the appellation, with sexy complexities of smoky bacon fat interlaced with skeins of blueberries and cherries. Full-bodied, creamy and lush in feel, finishing long and succulent, it's a terrific Cote Rotie to drink over the next 20 years.