2010 Cornas Granit 60

The 2010 Cornas Granite 60 Vieilles Vignes may be the greatest Cornas I have tasted from Vincent Paris. Full-bodied and rich with striking intensity, it possesses gorgeous floral notes intermixed with notions of powdered rock, blue and black fruits, and acacia flowers. Dense, full-bodied, multilayered and multidimensional, this staggeringly great Cornas needs 3-4 years of cellaring and should keep for 25 years thereafter. Vincent Paris is a child of Cornas and his biodynamically run estate now encompasses around 17-18 acres, from which he fashions three remarkable cuvees, the Granite 30, Granite 60 Vieilles Vignes and an offering from the well-known parcel of La Geynale. Paris has enjoyed three consecutive remarkable vintages (as have a number of the finest Cornas producers), 2009, 2010 and 2011. The Granite 30 generally comes from the lower hillside parcels of a lieu-dit called Mazards with soils that are mostly decomposed granite. These are also his youngest vines. You would never know that by tasting what Paris has produced in 2011 and 2010. The Granite 60 comes from three separate parcels of a lieu-dit called Sauman, which is opposite of another famous lieu-dit called Reynard. As Paris says, this is an area that gives more body as well as freshness than other terroirs in Cornas. Vines planted in these three parcels are 20, 60 and 100 years of age. Importer: A Thomas Calder Selection (various importers). Paris fax: 011 33 1 46 45 15 29

Even richer, with more substance and structure, the 2010 Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 60 is a straight up gorgeous Syrah that offers up riveting notes of black raspberries, crushed violets, charcoal, and searing minerality. More black pepper and gamey notes come out with air, and this has fantastic purity and detail paired with layers of fruit and richness. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, with excellent concentration, juicy acidity, and masses of ripe tannin, this powerful, yet elegant Cornas will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age, and drink beautifully for 12-15 years or longer.

Opaque ruby. More floral and high-pitched than the Granit 30, offering aromas and flavors of black raspberry, Asian spices and candied violet, along with intense minerality. Pure and focused, finishing with excellent clarity and floral persistence. Offes an impressive blend of richness and vivacity.