1997 Cornas

From another overlooked and often undervalued vintage, the 1997 Cornas shows a surprisingly youthful color, with smoky cherry and raspberry scents and notes of black olive, cracked pepper and pipe tobacco. Spicy, focused and light on its feet, it has silky, vaguely pinot-like texture and very good clarity to its sweet red fruit and spicecake flavors. It finishes bright and nervy, with no obvious tannins and lingering florality. While fully mature I wouldn't be at all surprised to find this wine drinking well ten years from now.