- 97 points -

This is intense with mouthcoating, ripe tannins that turn your mouth inside out but with remarkably fresh and vibrant smashed blackberry fruit underneath and a distinct juniper and oregano vein to the aromatics. It has an exceptional length with extraordinary vibrancy and terroir expression. A force of nature that’s still very defined and focussed despite the power and ripeness of the fruit. High alcohol this year, high everything – this is a wine that consumes you, rather than the other way around. From 100-year-old vines, no destemming, five-day cold maceration, then fermented with wild yeasts. Twice daily remontage, no punching down, then aged for 16 months in 2 to 8-year-old barriques. Grown on the granite slopes of lieu-dit La Geynale, one of the finest of the appellation.

- 97 points -

#60 Top 100 Wines of France

Expressive nose of blackberries, cassis, black pepper, smoke and sweet spices. Medium body with finely grained tannins and fresh acidity. Impressive volume on the mid-palate with a grainy texture. Balanced with a restrained power. It’s concentrated and well-rounded. Long and focused finish with peppery notes. A reference for the appellation in this fresher vintage.

- 96 points -

A gorgeous nose, fresh, precise and surprisingly aromatic for a Cornas. The smoky oak and peppery Syrah spice combine well. Not massive, this is actually quite lean and precise, but there’s a great sense of energy and focus. The tannins are intense, quite sharp and bony, but should round out in time. The acidity is really quite intense, this will always be a brisk, athletic Cornas, but should make some complex old bones. Fairly long finish. Whole-bunch fermented from 100-year-old vines grown in Reynard. Aged in used barrels, no new oak. 5,000 bottles made.

- 95 points -

Opaque ruby. Highly aromatic aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, incense, exotic spices, violet and a hint of olive. Densely packed and lively on the palate, offering intense dark berry liqueur, floral pastille and salty olive flavors, a hint of smoky minerality and building spiciness. Finishes chewy, focused and extremely long, with mounting tannins lending shape and grip to vivid dark fruit and floral notes.

(95-97) POINTS

Sharply delineated dark fruit, exotic spice, licorice, olive paste, bacon fat and succulent floral qualities on the hugely perfumed nose. Stains the palate with alluringly sweet, densely packed, mineral-accented blueberry, cherry preserve, fruitcake and violet pastille flavors that deliver a suave blend of richness and energy. The floral and mineral notes carry emphatically through a strikingly long, youthfully tannic finish that shows superb clarity and energetic drive.