2005 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Landonne

Powerful, deeply concentrated cherry, dark berries and licorice on the nose, with suggestions of cured tobacco, molasses and espresso. Imploded dark fruit flavors are framed by solid tannins but the fruit easily muscles its way through, picking up notes of exotic spice s and candied licorice Expands and gains in sweetness on the chewy, very long finish. Not as sexy as the Turque but I get more depth and power here.

The only problem with Guigal’s 2005 Côte-Rôtie La Landonne is that it is too young. A wine of pure texture and silkiness, the Landonne graces the palate with stunning richness and depth. Three and half years in oak have given the 2005 a level of depth and density that is remarkable. But what is most impressive of all is just how primary the flavors are, even at eight years of age. Readers lucky enough to own the 2005 should cellar it for at least another five years. I imagine it will still be spectacular at age 30. Today it is the wine’s pure texture and persistence that impress most.

Opaque purple. Highly expressive, exotic bouquet of blueberry, boysenberry, violet face powder, Indian spices and smoky minerals. Deeply concentrated but almost shockingly vibrant, offering palate-coating dark berry and cherry liqueur flavors and notes of floral pastilles and minerals. The finish doesn't want to let up and eventually leaves notes of flowers and smoky spices behind. This glyceral, potent wine is destined for a long life, and it would be a crime to open it any time soon.