2019 Cornas Vielles Fontaines

Lastly, the flagship 2019 Cornas Les Vieilles Fontaines is a tiny selection from a single parcel of old vines that’s still resting in barrel (about 15-20% new). It brings more opulence and decadence in both its aromas and flavors, offering a monster array of mulled black fruits, smoked game, licorice, ground pepper, leather, and bouquet garni. Young and primordial, this full-bodied, concentrated, blockbuster styled Cornas has building tannins, a round, expansive mid-palate, and one incredible finish. It's going to take a decade or so to shed its considerable baby fat, but it’s a heavenly wine in the making. Note, this cuvée was first produced in 1988 and is only made in exceptional years. It comes from a single parcel of granite soils and 80-year-old vines and is named after a spring (or fountain) located on the property. It is 70% destemmed and always sees a touch of new oak.

Salted licorice and crème de cassis mark the nose of the 2019 Cornas Vieilles Fontaines, another clear step up in the hierarchy of bottlings at Alain Voge. Produced from 80-year-old vines situated near a spring, which virtually prevents the vines from shutting down even during hot, dry years, the wine ages two years in 15% to 20% new French oak. Full-bodied, concentrated and rich, tannic but supple and loaded with aging potential, this is an extraordinary Cornas.