Cornas, Domaine Verset A & E 2018

(Alain & Emmanuelle Verset Cornas Red) Inky ruby. Smoke- and spice-tinged black and blue fruit aromas, along with building floral and cured meat nuances. Appealingly sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering juicy cherry, blackberry and candied violet flavors with a touch of licorice. The floral note resonates on a long, focused and mineral-tinged finish that's framed by smooth, well-judged tannins. (Drink between 2024-2033)

(Alain Verset, Cornas, Rhône, France, Red) Earthy and herbal touches to the nose, with blackberries and cured meats in the background. Medium-bodied, quite a fluid style, there's plenty of savoury black fruits and a dry, textural finish. Open and ready for business already, and authentically Cornas. I would drink this young, but it won't fall apart any time soon. (Drink between 2021-2027)