2015 Ferraton Père & Fils Cornas Les Eygats Lieu-Dit

Lurid violet. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe cherry and blueberry, and notes of candied flowers, incense and smoky Indian spices build in the glass. Sappy and expressive on the palate, offering intense dark berry and violet flavors that are lifted by a snap of juicy acidity. Shows excellent focus and spicy thrust on the gently tannic finish, which lingers with strong, floral-driven tenacity.

Lurid violet. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe cherry and blueberry, and notes of candied flowers, incense and smoky Indian spices build in the glass. Sappy and expressive on the palate, offering intense dark berry and violet flavors that are lifted by a snap of juicy acidity. Shows excellent focus and spicy thrust on the gently tannic finish, which lingers with strong, floral-driven tenacity.

From the northern part of the appellation and brought up in 15% new French oak, the 2015 Cornas Lieu Dit Les Eygats gives up more complex notes of campfire and liquid rock, as well as loads of black raspberry, toasted spice and leather. Gorgeously pure, layered and sexy, with perfect balance, it's a blockbuster Cornas that shows how utterly sensational this vintage is. It needs 3-4 years of cellaring but is a profound effort that will keep for two decades. Don’t miss it. The only downside to these latest releases from Ferraton? They’re made in tiny quantities and there’s just not enough to go around. For readers who don’t know, this estate is managed by Michel Chapoutier, yet they have their own vineyard sources and winemaking team.