Cornas Reynard (R) Syrah

Another producer to inherit some vineyards from Verset was Thiérry Allemand who purchased Noëls holdings in Reynard. That vineyard is the cornerstone for this wine. The 1999 Allemand “Reynard” is still full of fresh brambles, some cow pasture, and beautiful purple flowers. It’s sanguine with inorganic earth and gentle spices. Bangin’ with venison, umami bomb, potato and pearl onion. This is gorgeous and should be outstanding through 2040+.

Showed a little green but still undeniably Allemand.

A wonderful intense tangy nose of bloody fruit, high toned violets. Black olives, black cherry, cocoa, garrigue. Complex. Lush and soulful. Yum

Not the best showing tonight. While my other 07 Reynard experiences have been superb, tonight showed a little too much herbal character for my liking, missing that incredible distinctive violet and deep fruit expression to go along with its liquid rock minerality. They can’t all be winners I suppose!

This wine is absolutely stunning on hour 2+ so that’s where my notes will reflect. Just wish it showed this way longer! After a lengthy decant 2012 Reynard finally comes alive to flaunt explosive, layered and distinctive Allemand aromatics of cassis, violets, olive and crushed stones. The palate has such concentration, depth and fruit intensity that’s seamlessly balanced with its layered minerality. Finish just keeps on going. Love these wines so much.

Never ever disappoints. Refined on both the nose and palate. Everything detailed and nuanced. The fruit, structure and acid all have an opportunity to give a tutorial. Plenty of time left.

of the Cornas flight, this was the standout and again, the lineup was significant. It was a wonderfully wild expression of Syrah in the way that Cornas provides and yet, there was some real sophistication to it as well. Mostly primary with deep, delicious dark berries leading the way with fabulous structure. Long way to go for this one. Simply in a different class tonight.

This was just a spectacular bottle. Showed super fresh. Classic Chaillot violets and minerals.

What will always be some of my absolute favorite wines, Allemand’s 2013 Reynard is in a terrific place after sufficient aeration flaunting captivating and distinct Allemand aromas of dark fruits, violets, coal smoke, olive tapenade and a crushed rock minerality. The palate is deep, structured and harmonious with killer detail, finesse and elegance to balance its riveting intensity, power and verve. The texture of Allemand’s wines always stand out to me. Silky, vibrant and layered, it saturates the palate with all its glory and finely grained tannins before its lengthy mineral inflicted finish. Drink em young drink em old, and in between, Allemand is a rare miss. 🫶🏻

Snow Goose pairing.