1985 Cornas

A charming and flattering wine for a young Cornas, the 1985 is marked by the low acidity of this vintage as well as a lush, rich black-cherry fruitiness. Full-bodied yet supple, this wine will develop quickly. Mature now. Last tasted 12/93. This famous firm significantly increased its purchases of wine from Cornas in the eighties. For example, 75% of the appellation's production in the bountiful year of 1985 was reportedly bought by Jaboulet. In 1993, Jaboulet's interest in Cornas was further evidenced by the purchase of the Domaine de St.-Pierre, a 9.1-acre estate of relatively young vines (7-15 years), located behind the two renowned vineyards of Reynard and Les Chaillots, directly behind the village. As the tasting notes indicate, this is an impressive wine. Jaboulet also produces a regular cuvee of Cornas (from purchased juice) that is made in a muscular, full-bodied, old style with plenty of structure and hard tannin. Despite the lightening of some of Jaboulet's other Rhone wines, especially their Chateauneuf du Pape Les Cedres and their Gigondas, this firm seems content to produce two cuvees of big, brawny, beefy Cornas.