One of the treats when tasting through the profound Côte Rôties made by Marcel Guigal was the opportunity to taste all of the bottled 1995's. Reviewed in previous issues, they are even better from bottle than they were during their upbringing (a characteristic of many Guigal wines). The 1995 Côte Rôtie la Mouline is the stuff of legends and is every bit as compelling as readers might expect. This single vineyard wine will have at least 2 decades of longevity.

La Mouline is one of the top wines produced by Guigal, along side La Turque and La Landonne - collectively they are affectionately known as the LaLas. The grapes come from vines located on the steep hillside of the Côte Blonde, with the average age of between 50-100 years. Production is an extremely small 400-700 cases per annum. One of those moments when the reality of a wine more than lives up to the myth. The 11% viognier in the mix brings a violet-filled perfume and delicacy that caresses the inside of your mouth, aligned to the power, liqourice and spice of a sun-filled Côte-Rôtie syrah. Be prepared to sit back after each sip and let the achievement of this wine wash over you. Astonishingly good now, but will age further.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 28/02/1999 The 1995 Cote Rotie La Mouline (11% Viognier included in the blend) was scheduled to be bottled (unfined and unfiltered of course) in February, after 42 months in 100% new oak. This is one of the most extraordinary wines made in the world. As I have said many times, if I were ever stranded on the proverbial desert island with only one wine to drink, it would have to be La Mouline. A compelling perfume of violets, black raspberries, coffee, pepper, and pain grille soars from the glass. Medium to full-bodied and lush, with a terrific multi-layered texture and outstanding purity, this is a phenomenal example of La Mouline. It possesses enough structure and substance to last for two decades, although it will be delicious upon release. The 1995 Cote Rotie la Mouline offers a compelling perfume as violets, black raspberries, coffee, pepper, and toast soar from the glass. Medium to full bodied and lush, with a terrific multi-layered texture and outstanding purity, this is a phenomenal example of La Mouline. It possesses enough structure and substance to last for two decades, although it will be delicious on release. Anticipated maturity: now-2020. (95+)

Deep ruby-red. Superripe aromas of black and red fruits, black pepper, chocolate and seductive smoky oak. Huge volume and sappy sweetness in the mouth; hints of crystallized raspberry and kirsch. Finishes with explosive length; the big tannins have been refined by the wine's long elevage.