2018 Cornas Patou
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Tasting notes
The inky but vibrant-hued 2018 Cornas Lieu-Dit Patou boasts surprisingly elegant aromas of licorice, peppery herbs and cassis, while on the full-bodied palate, it adds hints of broil-roasted beef and black olives. Concentrated and richly textured, it finishes with ripe tannins that leave behind a sensation of crushed stone and dusty back roads. It should be a bit softer in two or three years and drink well for at least a decade after that.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Inky ruby. Powerful, mineral- and spice-accented cherry and black raspberry scents, along with exotic spice, violet and espresso nuances. Supple and lively in the mouth, offering sharply focused red and blue fruit liqueur, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that become sweeter as the wine takes on air. The floral note carries strongly through the lively, mineral-accented finish, which shows excellent clarity and dusty, slowly building tannins. 15% new oak.
The 2018 Cornas Lieu-Dit Patou is more fruit-driven yet has a killer texture as well as opulence. Cassis, blueberries, chocolate, and graphite notes all dominate the bouquet, and it's full-bodied, deep and rich on the palate. It doesn't have the complexity of the Les Eygats, yet it has more oomph as well as decadence while staying pure and balanced, with ample tannic bite. It's another beautiful wine. This tiny Northern Rhône estate continues to produce a colossal lineup of wines. While they pull from top estate terroirs around Hermitage and the Northern Rhône, they also have a large négoçiant line that’s loaded with values.
100% Syrah. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Vivid black fruit on the nose, furry tannins on the palate and crackling acidity that refreshes the finish. Smoky persistence. Modern and polished – no rusticity here. (RH)