2013 Cornas Granit 60

Vivid ruby. Mineral-tinged aromas of fresh black and blue fruits, candied flowers and olive, plus a hint of cola in the background. Sweet, tightly focused cassis and blueberry flavors have a refreshingly tangy edge and turn deeper and smokier with air. Impressively concentrated but possesses excellent energy thanks to a bright spine of minerality. Finishes sappy, focused and very long, with sneaky tannins and a lingering violet note.

The 2013 Cornas Granit 60 Vieilles Vignes is another terrific red from this estate that shows the vintage’s more fresh, juicy and elegant style nicely. Its deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by notes of violets, juicy berry fruits, crushed rock and pepper. medium-bodied with good but not great concentration, nicely integrated acidity and fine tannin, it can be consumed anytime over the coming 10-12 years.

Deeper and more complex than the Granit 30, by some distance. Firmly tannic, very dry and peppery to finish. Very much an archetypal Cornas, needing bottle age to soften and flourish. (RH)