2012 Cornas Granit 60

Saturated ruby. Assertively perfumed aromas of blackberry, licorice and incense, with a suave floral quality building in the glass. Enters the mouth sappy and broad, then turns tighter in the middle, offering vibrant dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors and a touch of mocha. Closes with repeating floral character, building tannins and very good persistence. These vines were planted mostly in the 1930s.

There’s 5,000 bottles of the sensational 2012 Cornas Granit 60 Vielles Vignes. Completely destemmed and aged 18 months in 2- to 8-year-old barrels, its purple/black color is followed by an incredible nose of black raspberry, kirsch, crushed rock and violets. Possessing more tension and depth than the Granit 30, it’s full-bodied, thrillingly rich and has solid underlying acidity and tannic structure. Give it a couple years and drink bottles through 2025.

Inky purple. Pungent aromas of dark berries, anise, dried rose and succulent herbs. Smoky and appealingly sweet on the palate, offering pliant cherry-cola and blueberry flavors accented by cracked pepper. Shows impressive power on the youthfully tannic finish, which leaves notes of licorice and violet behind.