2004 Cornas Vielles Fontaines

Ruby-red. Powerful, almost inky dark berry aromas, with deep licorice and espresso accents. Ripe, dense, almost liqueur-like blackberry and cassis flavors are supported by brawny tannins. This gained freshness with air, picking up a brighter mineral quality and finishing with a flavor of cherry preserves.

Dark ruby. Berry aromas show an almost candied sweetness. Primary to the point of raw on the palate, with intense, peppery blackberry and cassis flavors framed by strong acids and a framework of refreshingly bitter tannins. Finishes vibrant, sharply focused and long, with a continuing impression of juicy acidity. Other Recommended Northern Rh o ne Wines:

With the brilliant oenologist who worked for Michel Chapoutier for many years, Alberic Mazoyers, now firmly installed at Domaine Alain Voge, these wines are taking off in a spectacular manner (not that they weren’t very impressive in previous vintages). The stunning 2004 Cornas Cuvee Vieilles Fontaines is certainly one of the few stars, a deep, full-bodied wine with an opaque ruby/purple color and a sweet nose of blackberry and cassis intermixed with truffle, scorched earth, smoke, and mineral. Full-bodied with great concentration, it is hard to believe this wine is a 2004, but that is the result of a combination of great winemaking together with a great site. Drink it over the next 10-12 years. Wine Advocate.April, 2007