2018 Cornas Sans Soufre Ajoute
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Tasting notes
Deep, shimmering ruby. Vibrant, spice- and mineral-driven red and blue fruit, floral and smoked meat qualities on the highly perfumed nose. Appealingly sweet and penetrating on the palate, showing a deft blend of power and delicacy to its boysenberry, black raspberry and exotic spice flavors. The floral and mineral notes recur strongly on a very long, incisive finish that's given shape by steadily building, polished tannins.
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Josh Raynolds
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Sharply delineated dark fruit preserve, exotic spice, licorice and succulent floral qualities on the highly perfumed nose. Stains the palate with intense blueberry, cherry preserve, spicecake and candied violet flavors that display a suave blend of richness and energy. The floral and spice notes carry strongly through a strikingly long finish that shows sharp definition and mineral drive.
Made from Balthazar's youngest Cornas vines, the 2018 Cornas Sans Soufre Ajouté showcases ebullient notes of fresh raspberries. It's full-bodied, lush and velvety yet also fresh, vibrant and immediate. I'd drink it young to capture that spirit, in spite of the substantial, dusty, cocoa-like tannins on the finish.
Incisive aromas of fresh dark berries, cherry, incense and potpourri, with olive and star anise notes building in the glass. Offers intense, spice-tinged black/blue fruit, olive paste and violet pastille flavors that are energized by a core of juicy acidity and late snap of spicy, white pepper. Closes very long and emphatically floral, showing a smoky mineral quality and discreet, even tannins that build steadily.