The 2020 Cornas is even better, ranking with some of the finest Cornas I've ever tasted. Deep purple-hued, with insane aromatics of bloody blue fruits, liquid violets, graphite, pepper, and smoked meats, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, multi-dimensional, layered mouthfeel, building yet ultra-fine tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. It offers pleasure even now but will be best from 2034-2054. It will be interesting to see if this shuts down after a few years (as most top vintages of Clape tend to do), but I wouldn't be surprised to see this evolve along the lines of the 2010, which is absolutely singing today! Maturity 2034-2052.

Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com (March 2024)

Glass-staining ruby. Intensely perfumed dark berry preserve, violet oil, olive, cured meat and woodsmoke scents show fine definition and vibrant spice- and mineral-driven lift. Offers palate-staining, spice-laced blackberry, bitter cherry, fruitcake and violet pastille flavors that deepen and open up steadily through the midpalate, while maintaining energy. The strikingly long, penetrating finish features youthfully chewy tannins, a sweet touch of cola and lingering floral and exotic spice qualities. All whole clusters and no new oak, as usual.

I tasted four different components of the 2020 Cornas from foudre. From 40-year-old vines in La Côte, a medium to full-bodied sample with attractive menthol, red plum and violet notes, ample structure but a bit short (92 - 94). From 50- to 60-year-old vines in La Sabarotte, an earthier, more savory example, with a rich, velvety texture and crisp acids (93 - 95). From 60- to 70-year-old vines in La Côte, a wine that seems to have it all: intense cassis, crushed stone, licorice and black olives, plus amazing richness and length (97 - 99). And finally, from old vines in Reynard, a breathtaking, hauntingly floral rendition marked by purple raspberries and fantastic concentration (98 - 100). The blend should be terrific.

A fragrant nose of blackberries, dark cherries, wild herbs, baking spices, stones and black pepper. Medium body with fine, firm tannins. It has volume and structure, but remains extremely agile. It has bright acidity and a vibrant peppery character, giving vitality and tension on the palate. Well-rounded and vivid with a succulent and textured, long developing finish. Best after 2026.

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com (April 2023)

The full-bodied 2020 Cornas is a wild thing. Concentrated and expressive, it combines all the elements that Clape-enthusiasts rave about: a juicy core of fruit, ferrous gradations, crushed flowers, meaty undertones, rustic funkiness and an herbal edge. Remarkably round tannins lend solid structure to the delicious 2020, an instant classic that shows excellent persistence on the savory finish. Drinking Window 2027-2045.

Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous (October 2023)

The full-bodied 2020 Cornas is a wild thing. Concentrated and expressive, it combines all the elements that Clape-enthusiasts rave about: a juicy core of fruit, ferrous gradations, crushed flowers, meaty undertones, rustic funkiness and an herbal edge. Remarkably round tannins lend solid structure to the delicious 2020, an instant classic that shows excellent persistence on the savory finish.

Cask samples tasted at the domaine. Sample 1: Petite Côte. Firm, muscly with powerful but refined tannins. Certain depth as well. Sample 2: Sabarotte Again, muscly and tight but long on the finish. Slightly harder edged. Ferrous, balsamic notes. Sample 3: La Côte . Dense and profound with a huge depth of fruit and tannin. Tannins powerful but refined. Sample 4: Reynards vieilles vignes (70-80 years) . Length and definition, the tannins tight but refined. Floral, violet notes. Persistent.  (JL)