France — wine

Cornas AOC

The smallest and most powerful Northern Rhône appellation, south of Saint-Joseph, exclusively Syrah on granite and clay-limestone terraces. Cornas wines are the most structured and tannic of the Northern Rhône — dark, muscular and demanding extended ageing. The name means 'burnt earth' in the local dialect, reflecting the heat-collecting terraces. Les Vieilles Vignes from Auguste Clape and Reynard from Thierry Allemand are global reference points.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Cornas 2022: compact granite terraces; powerful Syrah of extraordinary concentration and ageing potential
2021 Cornas 2021: compact granite terraces; powerful Syrah of extraordinary concentration and ageing potential
2020 Cornas 2020: compact granite terraces; powerful Syrah of extraordinary concentration and ageing potential
2019 Cornas 2019: compact granite terraces; powerful Syrah of extraordinary concentration and ageing potential
2018 Cornas 2018: compact granite terraces; powerful Syrah of extraordinary concentration and ageing potential
2017 Accessible and aromatic; early pleasure