2022 Cornas

Pure cassis, blue fruits, new leather, graphite, and hints of bouquet garni define the aromatics of the 2022 Cornas, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, an ultra-fine, pure, seamless mouthfeel, polished tannins, and a gorgeous finish. The overall precision and purity here are something. Aged 14 months in neutral barrels, it deserves 4-5 years of bottle age and will evolve gracefully over the following 15+ years if well stored. Drink 2030-2045. Located in Saint-Péray, Domaine du Tunnel was founded by Stéphane Robert in 1994 and has steadily become one of the benchmarks for pure, impeccably made Cornas, Saint Joseph, and Saint-Péray. Farming is sustainable, and the wines are fermented with native yeasts and aged largely in used barrels. A new cellar in the hills above Saint-Péray was recently completed, no doubt contributing to the continued precision and quality of the wines, which is the signature of this estate and gives Robert's wines their own style compared to producers like Clape, Allemand, and a handful of other notable names. Across the range, the wines show beautiful balance, layered textures, and a seamless sense of freshness and energy. The 2022s are superb, and the 2023 Saint-Péray releases continue to raise the bar for the appellation. Readers looking for some of the best from Cornas, Saint Joseph, and Saint-Péray need look no further.