2016 Cornas Les Eygats
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Cornas Les Eygats is the gem in 2016 and has a fresh, focused, backward style that carries notes of crème de cassis, spring flowers, pepper, and crushed rocks. With full-bodied richness, good acidity, and impeccable balance, it’s a brilliant wine, but it’s going to need 2-3 years of bottle age to show its full potential. These 2016s and 2017s from the Courbis brothers are terrific follow-ons to their brilliant 2015s. The 2016 Cornas are some of the finest in the vintage and have sexy, ripe profiles that offer more pleasure than most. The 2017s are in the same ballpark, with slightly more upfront charm and approachability. In addition to the Cornas releases, this team is turning out some heavenly Saint Josephs!
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
(50% new oak) Deep ruby. Assertive black and blue fruit, licorice pastille, bacon and violet aromas are complemented by a smoky mineral accent. Seamless and broad on the palate, offering alluringly sweet boysenberry, cola and floral pastille flavors and a suave touch of exotic spices. Finishes with repeating mineral and dark fruit character, delivering smooth, well-knit tannins and impressive tenacity.
The 2016 Cornas les Eygats is aging in 50% new oak and will likely be bottled in March 2018. It’s inky in hue, with enthralling notes of crushed stone and ripe plums on the nose. It’s full-bodied, rich and velvety on the palate yet also fresh, bright and lively. This won’t need much cellaring to round into form; drink from 2020.
50% new oak. Freshly cracked black pepper. Ripe, juicy black fruit. Firm tannin yet there is delicacy and accessibility to the structure. Long, fragrant violet scent on the palate – expressive and eloquent. (RH)