Not your typical Monday today. Étienne Guigal’s neoclassical “La La” Côte-Rôtie single-vineyards are some of the greatest wines in the world year in year out. Collectors worldwide clamor over them upon release. What if we told you, along with this Côte-Rôtie value of the year came a few bottles of them? Don’t believe us? Check out the Store NOW! Oh, and check out fast, they won’t last.

Meanwhile, here’s an insider’s secret. There’s another flagship Côte-Rôtie you can steal for a mere (best price anywhere, hello?) $111 while the rest of the wine world dwells in the $150-210 range, and only IF you’re a Wine Spies Op reading this early enough…

Secured some? Good. You can now proceed to the opener quotes:

“Château d’Ampuis delivers fabulous value for a high-end wine of the appellation.” – Vinous

We heard you, Antonio.

“This contemplative wine is also a hedonistic pleasure.” – Wine Spectator

You too, Kristen Bieler, Senior Editor for the Rhône Valley.

If you’re into purity, depth, black fruits, olives, and pepper in your Rhône, this will knock your socks off. Don’t forget to stash a few away for a couple of decades, will only keep getting better! Jeb Dunnuck is right again, “Château d’Ampuis, named after the family’s historic estate acquired in 1995, blends fruit from seven top estate vineyards and is handled exactly like the single vineyard La Las, seeing 42 months in new oak. In top vintages, its quality can rival the La Las.”

Ahem, where were we? Only 200 cases imported - guess where a chunk of that went?!

While it lasts.

97 Points – Jeb Dunnuck “This reference point estate continues to produce brilliant wines. Founded in 1946 by Étienne Guigal, Domaine Guigal has been one of the world’s greatest wine estates for over seven decades. Today, Étienne’s son Marcel and grandson Philippe continue to lead, with longtime collaborator Jacques Desvernois also playing a key role. As to the Côte-Rôties, there are six main releases. The Brune et Blonde is the entry-level cuvée, from a mix of estate and purchased fruit. Château d’Ampuis, named after the family’s historic estate acquired in 1995, blends fruit from seven top estate vineyards and is handled exactly like the single vineyard La Las, seeing 42 months in new oak. In top vintages, its quality can rival the La Las. Despite the long élevage and use of new oak, mature bottles leave no doubt about the genius here. In short, these single-vineyard Côte Rôties are some of the greatest wines money can buy. Blackberries, bacon fat, violets, game, and smoked meat all emerge from the 2020 Côte Rôtie Château d’Ampuis, a stunning, concentrated Côte Rôtie that has everything you’d expect. Based on 93% Syrah and 7% Viognier from a mix of lieux-dits and aged 38 months in new French oak, it’s full-bodied and round on the palate, with incredible depth and power. This brilliant wine will drink beautifully over the coming two decades. Drink 2025-2045.”

96 Points – Wine Spectator “Thick, chewy and large-boned, this oozes chocolate and cherry liqueur notes encased in a robe of charred cedar. An intriguing earthiness (wet leaves, tobacco) plays off the spice cake accent and tug of bitterness on a creamy, rich palate, all wrapped up in smoke, camphor and mesquite elements. Impressively balanced, with an endless finish, this contemplative wine is also a hedonistic pleasure. Syrah and Viognier. Drink now through 2040. 200 cases imported.”