2009 Cornas Chailles

Deep ruby. Ripe red fruit on the nose, with complicating notes of licorice, olive and dried flowers. Deep, smoky redcurrant and cherry flavors are given spine by juicy acidity and pick up a hint of musky herbs with air. The long, spicy finish features an intriguing interplay of bitter cherry, berry fruit and herbs.

The 2009 Cornas Les Chailles’s inky purple color is followed by notes of sweet fruits, a sexy (a term I rarely use for Cornas) style, low acidity, silky tannins, full body and layer upon layer of black fruits, licorice and barbecue smoke. It should drink well for 15+ years. ||Voge has turned in extraordinary Cornas offerings in both 2009 and 2010. He is also one of the finest producers of dry St.-Peray, which compete with the top wines of that appellation now being produced by Stephane Robert. Voge’s 2010 Cornas may only be eclipsed by his 2009s. These wines are now being made by Albert Mazoyers, who worked for many years with Michel Chapoutier and is one of the most respected young wine producers in the northern Rhone. The spectacular 2009s may be the finest wines I have ever tasted from Alain Voge. Wine Advocate.December, 2011