2014 Domaine Thierry Allemand Cornas Les Chaillots

The 2014 Cornas Chaillot surpasses the 2011. This has much more intensity and complexity, black fruit laced with star anis, cardamom and meat juices, all very cohesive and utterly alluring. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins, harmonious and quite saline, unfolding on the finish endowed with greater concentration and grip than the 2011, a dash of white pepper lingering long on the finish. It needs more time in bottle, but this has a lot of potential.

The inky colored 2014 Cornas Chaillot from Allemand offers a gorgeous perfume of black raspberries, olives, spring flowers, pepper and hints of bacon fat. Classic Syrah all the way, with medium to full-bodied richness, bright, yet integrated acidity and a great finish, it's already drinking nicely but is going to cruise for a decade or more in the cellar. These wines are always hard to come by as Allemand refuses visits from critics (at least I’ve never had an email or call returned). Nevertheless, I purchased these from Le Mangevins (don’t miss a chance to eat here!) in Tain l’Hermitage and they’re brilliant wines.

Allemand's younger vine bottling, a wine with amazing depth and fragrant complexity. There are peppery and very sweetly fragrant raspberries and red plums, and a spicy lift, too. The palate has essence-like red plum fruit flavor, wet stones, cherries, chocolate and plums. Tannins are finely detailed and elegantly stated. The finish is powerfully succulent. Drink 2020 and beyond.