E. Guigal : La Landonne 2020

A massive, powerful and densely packed red, with a pleasingly chewy texture—the kind of wine to eat with a fork. Yet this shows impressive grace despite its weight, with savory earthiness underlying a torrent of bitter cherry, warm spices, mocha and coffee. Smoky, with cigar and leather accents. The finish goes on and on and on, held together by beautifully sculpted tannins. Built to go the distance in the cellar for decades. Best from 2027 through 2050. 90 cases imported.

This is ample, stunning and concentrated, with impressive energy. Dark berries, grilled herbs, stones, leather, undergrowth and loads of baking spices. Full-bodied with fine, sinewy tannins. There is a solid frame of tannins bringing a serious character on the palate. Dense, dark core of blackberries and spices funneling through the palate. Highly textured with incredible drive. Focused and shaped for aging. Try from 2028.

100% Syrah. Aged 40 months in new oak. Cask sample. Deepest in colour of all the LaLa’s. Complex nose with fruit, mineral and herbal notes and an overriding freshness. Dense weight and a tannic frame, the tannins big and powerful. Long and smoky on the finish. Definitely one for the cellar. (JL)

Almost black in color, the perfume pops with notes of smoke, spice, coffee beans, black cherries, black raspberries, and blackberries. The wine has off-the-charts concentration, with so much fruit that it immediately coats your mouth, palate, and senses with seemingly endless layers. Seamless, from start to finish, this is what greatness in Côte-Rôtie is all about. The finish hits the 60-second mark, expands, and keeps on going! A legend in the making that will easily deliver the goods for over 50 years! Drink from 2030-2060.

Notes of green bell pepper, spices, pepper, iris, violet and dark berries introduce the 2020 Côte-Rôtie La Landonne, a full-bodied, concentrated and structured wine with a multidimensional core of fruit, lively acids and deep mid-palate underpinned by a chassis of firm tannins. Concluding long and spicy, it will demand some patience.