Côte Rôtie La Turque, Etienne Guigal 1999

In contrast to the more exuberant, exotic La Mouline, the 1999 Côte Rôtie La Turque is classic Côte Brune with its still youthful ruby hue as well as incredible aromatics of darker fruits, scorched earth, smoked meats, graphite, and pepper. It picks up an incredibly classic bacon fat-like nuance with time in the glass and is full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, has polished tannins and incredible concentration. It's another jaw droppingly good, heavenly wine from one of the world's greatest estates.

Exceptionally deep crimson. Very sweet and intense on the nose. Heady, obviously oaky, but like an exotic, irresistible tincture. Round and worked and ultimately perhaps very slightly soulless but it is designed to give pleasure and it does. The tannins are very well managed. Round and broad but furled for the future. Drink 2009-2021. Date tasted 14th Jun 05.

This wine reveals notes of toasty vanilla and espresso in addition to Asian spices, mocha, pepper, blackberries, creosote, and roasted meats. The exotic perfume is followed by a wine with phenomenal intensity, sweet, well-integrated tannin, huge body, and loads of concentrated fruit. It is a tour de force in winemaking. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025.