2009 Cornas Vieilles Vignes

Michel Tardieu’s 2009 red Northern Rhone offerings still have a long wait in barrel before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. They all reveal deep colors as well as abundant concentration, structure and power. I thought the best cuvees were the Cornas, St.-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage. The Hermitage and Cornas appear capable of 15 or more years of evolution, and the Crozes-Hermitage and St.-Joseph should last at least a decade. The Cote Rotie Vieilles Vignes exhibited great fruit, but it was not a sensational wine in comparison with the other efforts. (Not yet released) Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St.-Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

Much more floral than the regular cuvée on the nose. Luscious and rich with so much intensity of fruit that the tannins, which are there, are beautifully hidden until the very end. Black fruits on this (as opposed to the red fruits of the regular cuvée of Cornas). Great balance this is really rather elegant and succulent in a savoury, meaty way. Much more lift than one might expect. Well done! (JR)

Michel Tardieu’s 2009 red Northern Rhone offerings still have a long wait in barrel before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. They all reveal deep colors as well as abundant concentration, structure and power. I thought the best cuvees were the Cornas, St.-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage. The Hermitage and Cornas appear capable of 15 or more years of evolution, and the Crozes-Hermitage and St.-Joseph should last at least a decade. The Cote Rotie Vieilles Vignes exhibited great fruit, but it was not a sensational wine in comparison with the other efforts.||(Not yet released) Wine Advocate.February, 2011