WTN: Don’t let go the Côte

[David M. Bueker]

• 2001 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Landonne - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (11/4/2021)
  Slow to open, but after about an hour it started to unfurl. At the two hour mark it was strutting around like a peacock looking for a date. The aromatics were on full show from crisped beef fat to worn leather, spice and still some dark black fruit. It wasn’t until we got to the last small pours that the bacon finally entered the picture, but it was obvious when it happened. The palate started firm and stern, but softened over the course of the evening. Still, another five years would see a less aggressive presentation. We had crispy pork belly alongside, so tannins were not a concern, as they just sliced through the fat of the meat. Ultimately an outstanding showing for a high expectations wine.

Nice! The nose really can be amazing with the Northern Rhone wines.

I bought some 198x vintages of the Guigal La-Las back when they were going for only $100+/bottle. Hideously expensive in those days, compared to other Cote-Roties. They were great wines, and immensely enjoyable. My only issue with them is that they were made in an international style--they didn't really taste like Cote-Rotie. But that's just an academic quibble and nit-picking. Take them at face value for what they are and you won't be disappointed. I still have a couple of them left. Probably time to invent a special occasion for opening them.

-Paul W.

[David M. Bueker]

This bottle certainly tasted like Côte-Rotie.

I certainly opened those bottles very young. Perhaps I didn't allow enough time for the Cote-Rotie character to shine through.

-Paul W.