Côte-Rôtie “Brune et Blonde de Guigal” 2012
94 points James Suckling
– Bottled as a single blend in 2012, this has a fine, peppery edge to the nose with elegant dark-chocolate aromas ahead of brambly dark plums and black-cherry fruits. There’s a wealth of richness and power here, and it’s so layered and dense. A wine that shows a smooth build of fine and even tannin. The gentle pepperiness cracks into the finish, where there’s another warm dark chocolate afterglow. This spent 36 months in oak, of which 50% was new. Best from 2018 and for at least a decade afterwards. (11/2016)
91-93 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
– Scheduled to be bottled in two weeks, the 2012 Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde has a complex, pure, medium to full-bodied feel in its cassis, black raspberry, olive and spice-laced bouquet. Possessing sweet tannin, plenty of fruit and a great finish, it has plenty of similarities to the 2011 and is joy to drink. (JD) (12/2015)
93 points Vinous
– Saturated ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes black and blue fruit liqueur, incense and fresh flowers, and notes of smoky minerals, vanilla and licorice adds complexity. Coats the palate with sweet cherry-vanilla and blueberry flavors given lift and cut by zesty acidity and a hint of cracked pepper. Finishes on a gently tannic note, showing excellent lift and floral-driven tenacity. (JR) (3/2016)
92 points Wine Spectator
– This offers a distinctive set of alder and olive aromas before giving way to a slightly taut core of bitter cherry, plum and red currant fruit. Lovely bay and leather accents hang on the background, leading to a long, grippy finish that exudes a slightly perfumy sandalwood note. (JM) (4/2016)
