Vivid ruby. Highly complex nose displays sexy, mineral-drenched red berry and kirsch qualities, along with anise, violet, vanilla and cola. The minerality continues on the palate, adding life to the pure red fruit flavors. Becomes spicier on the clean, impressively persistent finish. A superb blend of power and energy.
93 points - Stephen Tanzer's Int'l Wine Cellars (Jan/Feb '09)
A very fine effort for the vintage, with slightly mature hints of coffee and sage mingling with a core of black cherry, incense and iron. The long, fine-grained finish still has good grip, but is also plenty supple, with a lingering hint of incense. Drink now through 2022. 2,500 cases made.
92 points - Wine Spectator (May 2008)
The beautiful 2004 Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis is one of the finest wines from this challenging vintage. The acidity is there, but there is no evidence of dilution. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by notes of bacon fat, graphite, licorice, and smoke, beautiful fruit, medium to full body, and a long finish. Consume it over the next 12-15 years.
91 points - The Wine Advocate (February 2008) | 
