Domaine MS Ogier DAmpuis   Cote Rotie Cuvee Belle Helene

2004 Cote Rotie Cuvee Belle Helene

By Domaine M&S Ogier D'Ampuis

2004 Côte Rôtie Cuvée Belle Hélène from Domaine M&S Ogier d’Ampuis, Rhône

Enter the 2004 Côte Rôtie Cuvée Belle Hélène from Domaine M&S Ogier d'Ampuis, a momentous embodiment of Rhône's rich tapestry of wine magic. Four decades of tasting and translating French wines for connoisseurs has unveiled treasures, but few parallel the authenticity and complexity of this historic 2004 vintage.

 

Harmonious Climatic Trailblazer, a Vintage Worth its Weight in Gold

In 2004, the Northern Rhône climate dealt a shuffling hand of early spring frosts contrasted with a magnificent summer, culminating in one of the most rewarding harvests. The sixty-year-old Syrah vines bore witness to this harmonious meteorological performance at Domaine M&S Ogier d’Ampuis.

The 2004 Côte Rôtie Cuvée Belle Hélène's complexity is imbued with hints of lush blackberry, dark plum and spices mingled with ethereal secondary notes of green olive and sage. Add to this a background interplay of earthy, smoky undertones derived from the acclaimed schistose terroir central to the Côte Rôtie appellation.

 

Marrying Time-Honoured Tradition with Modern Winemaking Methods

Domaine M&S Ogier d’Ampuis has long been praised for their finesse in bridging traditional and modern winemaking processes. Their judgement to oak-age their Syrah grasps further complexity, boosting their vintages' investment potential.

Drawing upon this integral oak maturation, the 2004 Côte Rôtie Cuvée Belle Hélène carries this medium-bodied vintage into a velvety finish. The wine’s refined tannins marry with its graceful acidity, giving way to a long, elegant finale that leaves an unforgettable imprint on the palate. Indeed, an exemplary equilibrium of power and poise.

 

The Ideal Choice for both Aspiring and Veteran Wine Investors

For the sophisticated fine wine investor, this Syrah from Domaine M&S Ogier d’Ampuis is a captivating choice reflecting wine investing's aesthetic allure. Not only is 2004 Côte Rôtie Cuvée Belle Hélène an enchanting story bottled in perfection, it serves as a reliable vehicle for portfolio diversification within the expanding wine investment sector.

In conclusion, 2004 was undoubtedly a banner year for Rhône winemaking. The 2004 Côte Rôtie Cuvée Belle Hélène honors its climatic challenges by crafting a Syrah of intricate complexity, worthy of any discerning investor's cellar.

Market price (CAD)

$5,890.00

12x75cl

Highest score

92

POP score

295

Scores and tasting notes

91-93

The limited production but phenomenal 2004 Cote Rotie La Belle Helene is one of the candidates for the wine of the vintage. Tannic and dense ruby/purple, it is more masculine and austere than usual, but still concentrated with tangy acidity, loads of tannin, and impressive levels of concentration and richness. This is a beauty that will require patience. Give it 3-4 years of bottle age and then drink it over the following 10-12 years. The Ogiers are a wonderful family, and it’s gratifying to see the extraordinary quality of wine that continues to emerge from them. The son Stephane has taken over fully from his dad, who seems to be inching into full retirement, and continues to push the estate to higher and higher levels of quality. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2007

Vintage performance