2005 - Cote Rotie La Landonne, E. Guigal

The 2005 Cote Rotie la Landonne is utterly profound, and is certainly in the same league as the '10, '09, '03, '99, '90, '89 and other incredible vintages (the list of top vintages here is almost too long to list). Inky colored, structured, tannic, massively concentrated and still with phenomenal texture and richness, it has the classic dark fruits, tapenade and meatiness of the cuvee, but at age 10, is still an infant. It needs 4-5 years and will be a 50+ year wine.

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.

Extremely dark. Lots of complexity and depth, teal leaf scents and then treacle flavours. It’s so firm, deep, damp leaves and autumnal – bone dry with meaty savour. It’s quite different from the other two – so much sterner. Put it away, please! But it’s polished and with lots of energy, (JR)