97 Wine Spectator
Thick and supple, this ultrarich red caresses the palate. Full-bodied, it's loaded with oak and fruit, tasting balanced from start to finish. Very dark, showing mocha, licorice, chocolate, blackberry, tobacco leaf, blueberry and lingonberry complexity and an incredibly long finish. Drink now through 2020. 415 cases made.
96 Robert Parker
The spectacular, dense ruby/purple-colored 1997 Cote Rotie La Mouline boasts a complex nose of violets, peaches, and cassis. Soft, voluptuous, medium to full-bodied, and incredibly seductive, it is reminiscent of the 1991 and 1987. Anticipated maturity: now-2015. <br/><br/>These tasting notes will not surprise any longtime readers. I have never made a secret of the fact that if I had only one wine left to drink, I would want it to be one of the great vintages of Guigal's Cote Rotie La Mouline. This wine's aromatic fireworks, sumptuous texture, and seamless personality represent perfection. While the percentage of Viognier blended with Syrah can vary from 8-12% (even higher in a vintage such as 1996), this remains one of the world's most intensely perfumed and compelling wines.<br/>
Thick and supple, this ultrarich red caresses the palate. Full-bodied, it's loaded with oak and fruit, tasting balanced from start to finish. Very dark, showing mocha, licorice, chocolate, blackberry, tobacco leaf, blueberry and lingonberry complexity and an incredibly long finish. Drink now through 2020. 415 cases made.