E. Guigal - Cote Rotie La Landonne 2020
James Suckling: 99 Points
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.
Jeb Dunnuck: 98-100 Points
I think the star of the show in 2020 will be the 2020 Côte Rôtie La Landonne, and this is one I can't wait to taste from bottle. It's slightly more elegant and supple compared to the massive 2019, yet it has a similar style in its extravagant dark fruits, truffle, game, iron, and smoked meat-like aromas and flavors. It's a powerful, full-bodied, concentrated Côte Rôtie that's going to need to be forgotten for 8-10 years, although if you ever wanted to try a truly great young La Landonne, this might be the one given its incredible fruit and texture.
Wine Advocate: 98-100 Points
The undisputed star of the cellar this vintage (at least at this stage), the 2020 Cote Rotie La Landonne is not only unbelievably complex on the nose—with an awesome stew of vegetal-herbal nuances blended with cassis and smoked meat—but full-bodied, concentrated, velvety-textured and remarkably long and tannic. Patience will be required. (JC)
Vinous Media: 97-100 Points
The potentially perfect 2020 Côte-Rôtie La Landonne is riveting. Bringing together all the finest elements of the Guigal house style, it explodes from the glass with smoky blackberry jam, menthol, crushed rocks, cured meat, iodine, licorice, cloves and black olive tapenade. Charged with a massive tannic core, this concentrated powerhouse dazzles with off-the-charts intensity yet total clarity and focus. Built like a skyscraper, the 2020 will surely be a long-distance runner. (NG)
