Cornas Syrah

Ultra ripe and I don’t mean vintage … jammy and liquored fruit. Bizarre. Aiming for new world drinkers perhaps ??? Not for me. Atypical style for the region indeed.

Expresses the vintage. Challenging I’m sure but felt that it’s open-knit character and ripeness make for an early drinking style. Can sense some dessiccation on the palate, there’s not the usual amount of freshness, but still certainly Cornas in the new wave style. Blackberry/loganberry compote, baked plum, slight prune note, crushed stone, truffle, earth, touch of stems. Was expecting tannins to be out of whack but surprisingly in line.

Seems to be losing some primary and punchy fruit, structure starting to take form and hold on the palate. Burger wine 🍔

Damn this is really coming around, seems to have settled in since LBT. More clarity, more definition and high-toned perfume. Definitely has gained more cohesiveness and length on the palate too. Explosive ripe/just kissing the jam side of things fruit; blackberry, huckleberry, hint of blueberry, and apricots. Loads of sweet licorice and powdered sugar, sweet cinnamon, violet pastille, rosemary blossom, candied olives, baked stones, sweet meat. Feel like this really starting to express ‘15 vintage character too

A very approachable young Cornas. Fruit dominant. But after a few nights open the savory revealed itself. Delicious.

Nose is a little reticent but gives up cassis like extract (almost like it’s been pan-reduced), and deep rocky minerals. So inky and intense in the mouth. Clings like crazy. Lots of tannin to ensure development but really enjoyable now.

Phenomenal. Gorgeous nose of granite, mineral, black berry fruit, palate is full of fruit, a hit of sweet wood, and terrific freshness and energy. Sappy and sweet with big tannins. 15 so good. Juicy and really fresh. Such purity. Impressive.

Lovely Cornas, expresses more savory and meaty side of Cornas. Iron, beef blood, crushed graphite, black berry, smoke, black licorice and olive. Very mineral core. Firm yet completely transformed with wood fired food. Young, oak needs some integration, a little resolve on the palate needed but will come around with a little time. Day 2 was lifted, more bacon fat and hearty black fruit. Completely unfolded.

Syrupy and jammy red fruits on the nose. But very fresh and vibrant on the palate. Chewy tannins. Like a new world style wine.

You know when you opened a wine that you shouldn't have: this is one such.
The initial barnyard nose evaporates, leaving the more familiar cherry and new leather notes.
As you experience this, you're reminded of its old-world sense of place. Big, bold tannins, depth and texture on the mid-palette. Oak treatment is well integrated. Finishes moderately sweet, with no sharp edges. Enjoyable at this point, but with 2 more years, this will come together nicely. If you have this vintage, hold them.