Wilder nose, on blackberry and hot stones. The mouth is soft, sensual, almost puzzling, as this unaffected Cornas proudly stands miles away from canons of modernity !
Presentation
The vintage
If we look at the half empty glass - or tank -, frustration, and even sadness, will overwhelm us : historically small yields in France. The lowest of the post-war years. Cellars are empty. Clearly, one has to state that climate hazards, methodically, worked against us this year, in a succession of definitely adverse events : an abnormally cool spring caused frost, then grape shatter, on all of Rhone cépages, and, more particularly, Grenache. This cruel Spring followed up on a dauntingly dry summer… In the end, the yields in juice are tragically affected. The Wine grower’s job becomes tightrope walker’s job… without a net. These realities being called to mind, if we now look at the half full glass - and it is our nature to be optimistic -, the words which will come to me are relief, and even… enthusiasm ! These very challenging conditions indeed gave birth to first juices of so brilliant a Quality as they do better than just console us : they succeed in enticing, the Vignerons and us… !
The vines had naturally little load : they reacted magnificently to the extreme conditions of the year. The plant was able to bring its fruit to maturity, without big constraint, in an optimal way. The Wines promise to be splendidly well-balanced !
Year climatically unbalanced, but Cuvées showing balance… the Bourgogne way ! This, by the grace of Old Grenache, which brought to the highest level the singular personality of the real Rhone Wine. Wines are scented, refined...
The vines had naturally little load : they reacted magnificently to the extreme conditions of the year. The plant was able to bring its fruit to maturity, without big constraint, in an optimal way. The Wines promise to be splendidly well-balanced !
Year climatically unbalanced, but Cuvées showing balance… the Bourgogne way ! This, by the grace of Old Grenache, which brought to the highest level the singular personality of the real Rhone Wine. Wines are scented, refined...
Ageing
24 months in new and one old barrels
Allier and Tronçais
Allier and Tronçais
Vinification
½ destemmed
Varietal
Serine, Syrah : 100%
Specifications
Alcohol content : 13.5 % vol.
Age of vines : 80 to more than 100 years years old
Advice
Tasting
Wilder nose, on blackberry and hot stones. The mouth is soft, sensual, almost puzzling, as this unaffected Cornas proudly stands miles away from canons of modernity !
Reviews
"Mid to dark crimson. A little bit reduced – difficult to judge at the moment. There is certainly concentrated fruit here, and quite a bit of structure. Needs a re-taste later ideally."
"Glass-staining violet color. Intensely perfumed, mineral-accented blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate and peony scents are complemented by a hint of exotic spices. Offers deeply concentrated, palate-staining black/blue fruit preserve flavors that show excellent depth and clarity. Licorice and olive paste notes build in the glass. Sweet, focused and energetic on the extremely long, smoky finish, which echoes the blue fruit note and is given shape by fine-grained, harmonious tannins. (made with 50% whole clusters)"
