2010 Cote Rotie Cuvee Belle Helene
By Domaine M&S Ogier D'Ampuis
2010 Côte Rôtie Cuvée Belle Helene from Domaine M&S Ogier D'Ampuis, Rhône
The 2010 vintage was an exemplary year in the Rhône region, giving birth to the outstanding Côte Rôtie Cuvée Belle Helene from Domaine M&S Ogier D'Ampuis. An exceptional year for wine investment, 2010 unfurled ideal weather conditions, resulting in a symphony of beautifully balanced wines and this sparkling gem is no exception.
An Investment Worthy Performance
This illustrious cuvée takes centre stage with its hallmark opulence and phenomenal structure. Made exclusively from Syrah from vines rooted deep in the mica-schist soils, its remarkable richness stems from the marriage of elemental forces and human intuition that sets it apart.
The 2010 Côte Rôtie Cuvée Belle Helene holds nothing back with a powerfully pronounced palate of dark fruit, black olive tapenade, smoked meats and a touch of cocoa. Yet maintained throughout is an underlying freshness that keeps one entranced sip after sip.
The favourable rhythm of 2010
The just-right conditions of 2010 led to a vintage that is concentrated without being heavy, rich without being overpowering, delivering a performance that is nothing less than harmonious. This makes it not only an excellent indulgence but an intriguing venture for the discerning wine investor.
With its precision, depth and seductive finesse, the 2010 Côte Rôtie Cuvée Belle Helene captures all that is grand about Rhône Syrah. It demonstrates a masterful crescendo of flavour and complexity that crescendos into an long and lush finish that lingers long on the palate.
The 2010 Côte Rôtie Cuvée Belle Helene from Domaine M&S Ogier D'Ampuis is unquestionably a standout spectacle in the world of fine wines. Deserving a place in any discerning investor's cellar, it encapsulates the very essence of Rhône's vinicultural brilliance and offers an unrivalled tasting experience.
Market price (HKD)
HK$32,120.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
168
Scores and tasting notes
The 2010 Cote Rotie La Belle Helene is perfection. In this vintage, Ogier cut back the barrel aging time from 32 months in largely new oak casks to 18 months. Ogier’s remarkable flexibility depending on vintage conditions and the quality of the fruit is admirable. He thinks this may be the greatest bottle of wine he has ever made, and it’s hard to disagree. An inky/purple color is followed by notes of pen ink, graphite, forest floor, licorice and abundant black and blue fruits. There is little evidence of new oak because of the extravagant richness and wealth of ripe fruit. The tannins, acidity, alcohol and wood are perfectly integrated into this exceptional wine. It will benefit from 5-6 years of cellaring and keep for 25-30+ years. (Not yet released) Stephane Ogier, tall and blond with rugged, Brad Pitt-like good looks, is the next generation of young, ambitious, well-traveled children from family-owned estates. Learning his trade and working next to his father, who is now fully retired, Stephane Ogier has moved confidently and dramatically to expand this estate from the Cote Rotie holdings to their vineyards that go into La Rosine and those from Seyssuel that go into l’Ame Soeur. He has also added a St-Joseph cuvee from a small parcel of vines in Malleval, next to his Condrieu holdings. Moreover, readers should not forget the recent white wine offerings from Ogier. The great success for the 2011s is attributable, as Ogier says, to harvesting seven days later than just about everyone else in Cote Rotie, in addition to aggressive green harvesting and farming practices in the vineyards. This is evident across the board as these are some of the finest 2011s I tasted in the Northern Rhone. Ogier has 12 separate Cote Rotie parcels spread along the hillsides of the Cote Blonde and Cote Brune. The 2011s were harvested between September 16 and October 8, and because of Ogier’s conservative farming practices as well as the courage it took to wait to harvest until after the rains, the quality of the fruit is outstanding. The 2010s are all remarkable wines at Ogier. Stephane Ogier also deserves accolades for what he has been able to achieve with his white wine program since he began it in 2007. There are now three cuvees, all outstanding. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 239-1275
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 26 December 2012