97/100

More marked by pepper and licorice than the 2016, Guigal's 2017 Cote Rotie La Landonne is also richer, rounder and longer. It's full-bodied, velvety in texture and offers a kaleidoscope of dark fruit flavors that gradually morph over the course of an almost never-ending finish. This vintage, La Landonne has it all.

99 point

99P+: In a completely different style, the more blockbuster, masculine style 2017 Côte Rôtie La Landonne sports a dense purple hue as well as quintessential Landonne notes of smoked meats, black fruits, scorched earth, and chocolate. Pure, focused, and remarkably delineated on the nose, it’s full-bodied and incredibly concentrated on the palate, with building tannins, perfectly integrated oak, and a monster of a finish. It’s going to require at least a decade to be drinkable, but it’s one of those seemingly immortal Côte Rôties that will continue drinking brilliantly for longer than most of us will be around.

97 point

This is a brick house, with ample reserves of dark currant and blackberry reduction flavors lined with a strong cast iron note, while dark tobacco, olive and smoldering alder accents fill in through the finish. Built for the long haul. Best from 2025 through 2040.

96/97

Deep-pitched black currant, blueberry, cherry, floral and licorice scents are complemented by suggestions of smoky bacon, olive and allspice. Broad and deeply concentrated, offering palate-staining black/blue fruit, violet pastille, cola and exotic spice flavors that turn livelier as the wine slowly stretches out. Brawny yet energetic as well, showing superb definition and mineral thrust on a strikingly long, chewy finish that's given grip by solid but harmonious tannins.