2001 Noël Verset Cornas

Many northern Rhône producers consider 2001 to be a classic and Verset's 2001 Cornas makes a strong case for that assertion. Offering smoky blackberry and cherry aromas, its complicated by suggestions of violet, olive paste, black pepper, bacon fat and candied licorice that emerge slowly. Broad and sweet on entry, then firmer on the mid-palate, the wine offers sappy black raspberry and bitter chocolate flavors and a sexy floral pastille flourish on the back half. The floral quality carries through a strikingly long, surprisingly tannic finish, which echoes the berry note. This outstanding wine is aging on a long, graceful arc and should easily cruise along for another couple of decades.