If the 2006 represents a 1991-ish feminine offering, the 2005 Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis is a macho, masculine-styled effort. Dense, concentrated, and powerful, with gamy black currant, spice box, bacon fat, and herb notes, this chewy, tannic, enormously promising requires 3-4 years of cellaring, and should drink well over the following two decades or more.
94-96 points - The Wine Advocate (April 2009)
Rock-solid, with a great core of dark plum and fig fruit woven with incense, Turkish coffee, melted licorice and mineral notes. The long finish lets the mouthwatering acidity carry it all nicely. There's impressive drive and density. Best from 2010 through 2020. 2,500 cases made.
94 points - Wine Spectator (May 31, 2009)
Vivid ruby. Potent, intensely perfumed aromas of red berries, Asian spices, dried flowers and minerals expand with air and pick up a note of cracked pepper. Deep, concentrated and surprisingly graceful, offering mineral-laced raspberry and cherry flavors and a sexy floral quality. Clings tenaciously on the strikingly pure and focused finish This wine was just bottled.
93 points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Jan/Feb '10) | 
