2006 Cote Rotie Lancement
By Domaine M&S Ogier D'Ampuis
2006 Cote Rotie Lancement from Domaine M&S Ogier D'Ampuis, Rhone, Rest of the World
The 2006 vintage of this superior Rhône wine proves itself a testament to the ancient vines it is borne of, and harps back to a climatic serenity that allowed these Syrah grapes to ripen with remarkable grace. Unique amongst its contemporaries for this very reason, the 2006 Cote Rotie Lancement offers an intriguingly sophisticated poetry of taste that integrates a well-defined balance between fruit intensity and tannic structure.
Insurance for the connoisseur: The unprecedented quality of 2006
The nature of the weather during the 2006 growing season produced favourable conditions for Domaine M&S Ogier D'Ampuis, where their high altitude vineyards in Cote Rotie enjoyed the right mix of sun and rain. This enabled the Syrah grapes to develop a rich complexity that is imbued in every drop of the Cote Rotie Lancement.
This exemplary vintage speaks volumes of its terroir--its profound minerality layered over finely-structured tannins provides a sturdy backbone to support an orchestra of fruit flavours encompassing black cherries, ripe plums, and a haunting hint of wild bramble. A graceful trace of black pepper emerges on the expansive finish--a tell-tale signature of Rhône Syrah.
The Ogier D'Ampuis touch: Artistry meeting excellency
A notable feature of this wine is the artistry with which it has been crafted, bringing together tradition and innovation. The thoughtful vinification practices employed by Domaine M&S Ogier D'Ampuis have amplified the innate characteristics of the Syrah grape, transforming it into an investable asset for fine wine portfolios.
The 2006 Cote Rotie Lancement captures the deep intensity of Rhône Syrah in one of its finest expressions, exuding an innate finesse that traverses texture and time. It is a wine that personifies intellectual drinking, informing the palate while invoking introspection.
In the world of fine wine investment, this is a significant addition as it assures consistent returns with its maturing attributes and growing market reputation. Open a bottle now to appreciate its current accolades or keep it to be astonished by its evolving complexity.
Current market price
$7,890.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
337.86
Scores and tasting notes
Sadly, only 100 cases were made of the sensational 2006 Cote Rotie Lancement Cote Blonde. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by an exotic perfume of violets, bacon fat, black cherries, and raspberries, sweet, noble tannins, and full-bodied opulence. It is both a hedonistic and intellectually satisfying wine to drink over the next 10-15 years. The Ogier family is a fabulous success story in the northern Rhone. As I have frequently written over the last 30 years, a family of vignerons selling their entire production to negociants, gradually begins to estate bottle, first the father, Michel, and more recently the ambitious and talented son, Stephane. The results are extraordinary wines that thrill consumers. The Ogiers have taken a strong position in Syrah vineyards planted on the hillside terraces outside the old Roman city of Vienne, a few miles north of Cote Rotie. The have two totally different terroirs, La Rosine, which is Syrah planted on granite, and l’Ame Soeur, Syrah planted on schist. Both are very fine, value-priced offerings that offer a faithful introduction into the Ogier winemaking philosophy as well as to northern Rhone Syrah. The 2007 vintage was largely damaged by hail in Cote Rotie, but much of the crop was saved by three weeks of the gusty northern winds known as the Mistral in the south that occurred in September, following horrible weather in August. The vintage turned out to be far better than expected. At the time of my visit to Ogier they were leaning toward not making a Lancement in 2007 because of hail damage. They were strongly considering declassifying that wine and blending it with the Cote Rotie. The most limited production offering is named after Michel Ogier’s charming wife, Helene. It comes closest in style to Guigal’s single vineyard Cote Rotie La Turque. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 28 April 2009