Incredibly dark and still not quite at its peak, though starting to take on some interesting tertiary aromas: a touch of acetate, rubber, polished leather. Lovely texture, great tension still. Tannins still pleasantly angular, and great length. Very well balanced, powerful and tannic still. From lieux-dits Combe, Patou, La Côte, Tézier, Mazards, Chaillot, old vines of Chapelle St Pierre (the same plots for the cuvée Les Chailles, but further up the slopes). Racked in May, bottled in June, released in the autumn. 20% whole bunch, three weeks maceration, 20 months in oak, 10%-15% new. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2039
Tasted by: Matt Walls (at Domaine Alain Voge, France, 01 Feb 2022)
Part of Mature Rhône from the cellar for Christmas

Much more voluptuous and sexy than the more backward 2010, the 2009 Cornas Vieilles Vignes knocks it out of the park with its toasted spice, black raspberry, licorice and graphite-laced bouquet. Thick, full-bodied, and concentrated, with a wealth of raw material, as well as a lashing of tannin, give this blockbuster 2009 a handful of years in the cellar and enjoy through 2034. JD Sept 2015

This is loaded with vivacious character, as a lively briar note punctuates the grippy charcoal, sweet tapenade, blackberry coulis and macerated plum fruit flavors. The long, iron-driven finish lets the fruit play out. Best from 2014 through 2024. 1,080 cases made. JM Oct 2012

Opaque ruby. Mineral-accented aromas of black raspberry, cassis and violet, with a spicy topnote. Deeply concentrated but almost shockingly energetic, offering juicy dark berry and licorice flavors and an exotic hint of candied flowers. Fine-grained tannins add shape and grip the persistent, floral finish. Right now the fruit is to the fore but this is built to age. JR March 2012