Domaine MS Ogier DAmpuis   Cote Rotie Cuvee Belle Helene

2011 Cote Rotie Cuvee Belle Helene

By Domaine M&S Ogier D'Ampuis

2011 Cote Rotie Cuvee Belle Helene from Domaine M&S Ogier D'Ampuis, Rhone

The 2011 Cote Rotie Cuvee Belle Helene from Domaine M&S Ogier D'Ampuis is one of the most intriguing wines to have emerged from the Rhone region. Weather conditions for this year were somewhat whimsical, a meandering journey from an extended cold snap to a summer of just enough sun, that bestowed upon its terroir a unique character adeptly captured in the bottle.

 

A perfect harmony of turmoil and craftmanship

The laborious tribulations experienced by the vineyards in 2011 have imbued this wine with a delicate balance of flavors that only a master winemaker, such as Ogier D'Ampuis, could harness so elegantly. A wine that encapsulates the Cinderella story of its birth-year beautifully. By virtue of this peculiar vintage, it offers an interesting portfolio for investors seeking uniqueness.

The symphony opens robustly with notes of juicy blackberries and lush cherries, a charming nod to the Syrah grape's inherent bold character. Smoke and spice enliven the mid-palate, contributing depth and intrigue to the extensive profile. The finale can only be described as sublime - a well-rounded finish encrusted with hinting whispers of cocoa.

 

Redefining Rhone’s robustness

The 2011 growing season in Rhone was undeniably an eclectic dance between climatic extremes. And yet, the prevailing essence in the glass from this paradoxical year is a testament to Rhone's resilience.

Attempting to capture this singularity, the 2011 Cote Rotie Cuvee Belle Helene generously delivers. This full-bodied opus dances with a youthful energy that belies its decade-long age, radiating the finesse and robust quality of Rhone's best Syrah.

This vintage is an exemplary ambassador for the region, proving aptly that challenging vintages can produce wines of unparalleled character. When seeking a distinctive addition to an investment portfolio, consider the 2011 Cote Rotie Cuvee Belle Helene from Domaine M&S Ogier D'Ampuis, a testament to the transformative power of exceptional winemaking in the face of adversity.

Current market price

$4,510.00

12x75cl

Highest score

98

POP score

150.56

Scores and tasting notes

98

Even better (yet we split hairs here), the 2011 Cote Rotie La Belle Helene, which comes all from the Cote Rozier lieu-dit, possesses a liquid rock-like minerality to go with notions of black raspberry, smoked meat, graphite, black olive and underbrush. The most masculine, firm and concentrated in the lineup, it has full-bodied richness, rocking concentration and masses of ultra-fine tannin that build on the palate. It’s approachable now due to the overall quality of the fruit and tannin, yet it will be better in another couple of years, and drink well for two decades. (Not yet released) One of the next generation of winemakers to come up through the ranks by working with his father, the young, yet talented, Stephane Ogier (who is one of the youngest vignerons in the appellation) has been fully in control at this brilliant estate since around 2003. Covering roughly 7 acres in Cote Rotie, there are new plantings just now coming on line, both in Cote Rotie and in the surrounding regions as well. In addition, they are in the process of building a completely new cellar located on the western edge of Ampuis. There’s lots going on here, and if you’re a young wine lover today, count yourself lucky that there are young vignerons of this caliber out there. Looking at the 2011s, these show slightly more linear profiles than the 2012s, yet both vintages possess fantastic purity of fruit and overall elegant profiles. Robert Kacher Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 239-1275

Jeb Dunnuck - The Wine Advocate, 29 December 2013

Vintage performance