2007 Cote Rotie Cuvee Belle Helene
By Domaine M&S Ogier D'Ampuis
2007 Cote Rotie Cuvee Belle Helene from Domaine M&S Ogier D'Ampuis, Rhone
Turning the pages of Rhone's wine bible, the deeply alluring 2007 Cote Rotie Cuvee Belle Helene from Domaine M&S Ogier D'Ampuis comfortably finds its place as a highlight of that year. Surpassing admirers' expectations, this iconic vintage adeptly encapsulates the favourable climatic conditions of 2007 within its inky depths.
The Silhouette of an Exceptional Vintage
The 2007 vintage stood out for the climatic marriage between an ardent summer and a distinctly dry autumn. This weather pattern accelerated grape maturation, allowing wine producers to achieve an uncommon harmony of power and finesse. The seasoned vines, well-trenched in the granitic soils, fought hard for their nutrients, enhancing the age-worthy composition of this memorable Cuvee.
Resplendent with robust dark fruit presence, earthy undertones, immense depth and a superb balance on the palate, the 2007 Cuvee Belle Helene weaves together flavours drawn from its superior terroir. These signature characteristics mark it as a model investment for any distinguished wine portfolio.
The Defining Aesthetics of a Rhone Powerhouse
Domaine M&S Ogier D'Ampuis has immortalised their artistry in crafting Syrah through this consummate vintage. Highly concentrated and decadently rich, the 2007 Belle Helene offers an indulgent unfolding of black cherry, truffle and delicate smoky notes that crescendo into a magnificently sustained finish.
This captivating tapestry of flavours dances around an unyielding backbone of minerality - a clear touchstone of the unique soil and bedrock this exceptional fruit is derived from. It's this distinctive composition that makes this wine not just an expressive representative of Rhone, but also a remarkably sound investment asset, poised for sustained growth.
By enduring the trials of its year and thriving in spite of them, the 2007 Belle Helene from Domaine M&S Ogier D'Ampuis ensnares the essence, romance and fruitful investment potential within the passionate world of Rhone wine production.
Current market price
$4,890.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
183.75
Scores and tasting notes
The 2007 Cote Rotie La Belle Helene (aged 100% in new oak) has shut down and while not as sexy at present as the Lancement or regular Cote Rotie, it is built like a skyscraper. With coaxing, notes of graphite, ink, black raspberries and black currants jump from the glass of this full-bodied, rich, heady, layered 2007. It reveals an unusually large amount of tannin and will benefit from 7-8 more years of bottle age. It should drink well for 20-25 years. I fully anticipate that the 2007 will last as long as the 2009. One of France’s most brilliant small artisanal wineries is that of the Ogier family in Ampuis, situated about six blocks north of Guigal’s vast network of underground cellars. The value picks are the wines made from the steep hillsides north of the old Roman settlement of Vienne. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 27 February 2011