2005 Cornas Vieilles Vignes

Opaque ruby. Deep, mineral-dominated cassis and cherry scents are complicated by smoky herbs, violet and cured meat. Pretty serious wine, with brooding dark fruit liqueur flavors and a bitter cherry skin quality building with air. Finishes with formidable grip and youthfully firm tannins. Don't touch this for at least another five years.

Opaque ruby. Deep, mineral-dominated cassis and cherry scents are complicated by smoky herbs, violet and cured meat. Pretty serious wine, with brooding dark fruit liqueur flavors and a bitter cherry skin quality building with air. Finishes with formidable grip and youthfully firm tannins. Don't touch this for at least another five years.

Inky ruby. Smoky blackberry and dark chocolate aromas lifted by violet and graphite. Explosively sweet in the mouth, with potent dark berry flavors deepened by mineral and tobacco tones. The floral notes build on the long, powerful finish, adding complexity to the sweet fruit.