Cornas Reynard, Thierry Allemand 2018

On another level, the 2018 Cornas Reynard is a tour de force and up there with the finest Cornas to ever pass my lips. Deep purple-hued, with a gorgeous perfume of crème de cassis, blackberries, powdered granite, violets, and peppery spice, it’s full-bodied and brings another level of elegance in its tannins as well as density on the palate. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced, with ultra-fine tannins, I can’t imagine a better Cornas, nor a Cornas that holds onto such a classic representation of the appellation paired with purity, elegance, and finesse.

very dark plunge in the robe; there’s great style in a reserved bouquet, which is very beau, thorough, filled up, has an aroma of accumulated raspberry, mulberry, red berries with licorice, coffee beans notes. There’s much to emerge and blossom. The palate is complete, well charged, but elegant throughout, has shapely intensity, floral touches. The tannins are very high quality, with pure fruit wrapped around their rocky domaine. It’s a sensaround wine, most satisfying, pings and prompts all over the place. There’s a dark, near tar stretch on the late palate. “It’s closed, will come along,” T Allemand. 14.5°. From 2028, decanting a must. 2052-54 July 2021 *****