Mission Codename Amp it up
“Château d’Ampuis delivers fabulous value for a high-end wine of the appellation.” - Vinous
Did you miss the “Kings of Rhône” special by the Wine Advocate last month featuring the dynamic M. Chapoutier & E. Guigal duo? Don’t fret, here’s your consolation prize.
Guigal’s neoclassical “La La” Côte Rôtie single-vineyards are some of the greatest wines in the world year in year out. But they fetch $300-500+ a bottle. Collectors worldwide clamor over them upon release.
Here’s an insiders’ secret. There’s another flagship Côte Rôtie that measures up to them, but one that you can steal for under $100 IF you’re a Wine Spies Operative reading this early enough.
Normally, folks don’t even blink when paying the full $175 for this. But we like to share the wealth, so how about putting $80 per bottle back in your pocket today?
If you’re into purity, depth, black fruits, olives, and pepper in you Rhônes, this will knock your socks off.
Don’t forget to stash a few away for a couple of decades, will only keep getting better!
While it lasts.
95 Points – Wine Spectator
“This is frankly toasted, with mocha and bacon notes leading off. The core of dark currant and cherry preserve flavors has the stuffing to match, while singed bay leaf and dried sage accents infuse the finish. Shows the cool profile of the vintage, along with very admirable depth and ripeness. 150 cases imported. Best from 2021 through 2038.”
94 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
“In Philippe Guigal’s opinion, the strong suit for 2014 is that ‘it’s a vintage where the terroir speaks more loudly and clearly than vintage character.’ In that sense, he thinks, “it’s a vintage that will probably appeal more to traditionalists than 2015, at least for the next few years. Deep bright-rimmed ruby. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of ripe dark berries, cherry pie, olive, and pungent flowers are sharpened by a suggestion of peppery spices. Supple and appealingly sweet, offering concentrated blackberry, cherry cola and violet pastille flavors and an exotic suggestion of star anise. Finishes pure, sweet, and focused on the penetrating finish, showing outstanding focus and smooth tannins. Drink 2022-2031.”
94 Points – James Suckling
“Very intense and dark-fruited with bacon fat, blackberry, mocha and a whole swathe of baking spices on offer. The palate is super-succulent, long and juicy with fine but dense, chalky tannins. Super-long, dark-plum, and mocha finish. The tautness here is impressive! Long life ahead. Try in 2022.”
What the Winery Says
2014 Château d'Ampuis Côte-Rôtie


- Winemakers
- Marcel & Philippe Guigal
- Varietal
- 93% Syrah, 7% Viognier
- Vintage
- 2014
- Alcohol
- 14%
- Appellation
- Côte-Rôtie, Northern Rhône
- Vineyards
- Garde, Clos, Grante Plantee, Pommiere, Pavillon Rouge, Moulin, Viria
- Soils
- Granite, pebbles, loess, clay, sand, silt
- Average yield
- 35 hl/ha
- Maceration
- 100% whole cluster
- Aging
- 38 months
- Barrels
- 100% new French oak
About the Winery
E. Guigal





