2018 Cornas Pur Noir

Lastly, the 2018 Cornas Pur Noir is a tiny selection of the choice lots and will see 14 months in barrel. A much more bloody, meaty nose of sweet blue fruits, ground pepper, iodine, olives, and violets gives way to a full-bodied Cornas that packs plenty of muscle and depth, yet stands apart for the class of its tannins, balance, and length. This isn't your grandfather’s Cornas, and it comes close to an Hermitage-like finesse and refinement, while still being pure Cornas. Bravo. Enough can’t be said about the quality now coming from the domaine of Stéphane Robert. Both his reds and whites are world-class in every sense.

Production of Robert's 2018 Cornas Pur Noir will be either one or two barrels, sourced from a tiny parcel next to Champelrose and La Fontaine. Full-bodied and dense yet not over-extracted or overripe, both barrels I tasted from showed an impressive degree of elegance, potent plum and cassis flavors and tremendous finishes. One barrel had more licorice, the other was more floral and minty.

Production of Robert's 2018 Cornas Pur Noir will be either one or two barrels, sourced from a tiny parcel next to Champelrose and La Fontaine. Full-bodied and dense yet not over-extracted or overripe, both barrels I tasted from showed an impressive degree of elegance, potent plum and cassis flavors and tremendous finishes. One barrel had more licorice, the other was more floral and minty.