2012 - Cornas Les Viellies Vignes, Alain Voge

In contrast to the 2015 vintage, the 2012 Cornas Vieilles Vignes exceeds my expectations for its aging potential. Showing exceptionally well today and maintaining an insolent youthfulness, it unfurls from the glass with aromas of tobacco, dark wild berries, spices, plums, pencil lead and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, structured and deep, layered and textured, it has a robust chassis of tannins and racy acids, culminating in a long, licorice-touched finish. The delicate rusticity, imparted by 20% whole bunches, combined with its freshness, renders this wine a standout in the context of its vintage.

Inky ruby. Deeply pitched aromas of cherry compote, dark chocolate, licorice pastille and black pepper. Broad, sweet and fleshy on the palate, with strong intensity to its singed plum, blackberry liqueur and bitter chocolate flavors. This powerful, concentrated, youthfully tannic wine finishes spicy and long, with excellent thrust and mineral-driven persistence.