The 2014 Cornas Chaillot surpasses the 2011. This has much more intensity and complexity, black fruit laced with star anis, cardamom and meat juices, all very cohesive and utterly alluring. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins, harmonious and quite saline, unfolding on the finish endowed with greater concentration and grip than the 2011, a dash of white pepper lingering long on the finish. It needs more time in bottle, but this has a lot of potential.

The inky colored 2014 Cornas Chaillot from Allemand offers a gorgeous perfume of black raspberries, olives, spring flowers, pepper and hints of bacon fat. Classic Syrah all the way, with medium to full-bodied richness, bright, yet integrated acidity and a great finish, it's already drinking nicely but is going to cruise for a decade or more in the cellar. These wines are always hard to come by as Allemand refuses visits from critics (at least I’ve never had an email or call returned). Nevertheless, I purchased these from Le Mangevins (don’t miss a chance to eat here!) in Tain l’Hermitage and they’re brilliant wines.

Vivid purple. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe cherry and blackberry, complicated by notes of candied flowers, incense and smoky Indian spices. Sappy and expressive, offering intense red and dark berry and violet flavors underscored by juicy acidity. Impressive urgency is supported by a nervy spine of acidity. Shows excellent focus and vivacity on the gently tannic finish, which lingers with superb floral tenacity.