Dark and alluring yet also pretty, with expressive violet, dried lavender and blackberry paste built atop an underlying freshness. Concentrated on the palate, with balsamic, black pepper and subtle iodine building on the meaty, plump character. A beam of iron and firming tannins dry out the finish, though this is drinking great now. Drink now through 2032. KB

Deep, brilliant ruby. Vibrant, smoke-accented dark berries, candied flowers, licorice and olive are showcased on the perfumed nose. Sappy, penetrating and chewy in the mouth, offering gently sweet blackberry, cherry-cola and baking spice flavors that show sharp definition and mineral lift. Expressive and lively in style, with polished tannins building steadily on a very long, floral-accented finish. Roughly 20% whole clusters.

Looking first at the 2020 Cornas Les Chailles, which is the younger vine cuvée of the domaine, it sports a healthy purple hue to go with meaty, slightly reductive notes of ripe black and blue fruits, lavender, rose petal, and black pepper. It's medium to full-bodied, has a round, lush mouthfeel, good purity, and a great finish.

The sample I received of the 2020 Cornas les Chailles seemed a bit off, with uncharacteristic notes of dried fruit and chocolate. Funky and earthy, with black olive and prune-like flavors, it's medium to full-bodied and rather broad on the finish. I suspect it will look quite different from bottle next year.