2018 Cornas Nouvelle R Les Rieux

Deep violet color. Vibrant aromas of black raspberry, cherry, exotic spices and potpourri are complicated by a smoky mineral quality. Nicely concentrated and energetic on the palate, offering bitter cherry, dark berry and salty olive flavors and a suave, floral top note. The cherry and mineral notes carry through a very long, seamless and penetrating finish that's framed by smooth, well-knit tannins. Those who slavishly adhere to the stereotype that Cornas is all about weight, rusticity and brute power should check this bottling out, from any vintage, and then proceed to re-check their supposed wisdom...if they are capable of doing so.