2008 Cornas Granit 60

The 2008 Cornas Granite 30 and 2008 Cornas Granite 60 Vieilles Vignes are soft and diluted but pleasant, offering hints of herbs, earth and red and black fruits. They are competent examples, but even Vincent Paris could not overcome the challenges of this vintage. Vincent Paris’s 2009s are spectacular wines that will repay 10-20 years of cellaring (in the case of La Geynale and Granite 60 Vieilles Vignes). These are rich, full-bodied efforts that cut a nice style between the traditional and more modern, barrique-aged Cornas. Purity, texture and an unmistakable gamy, animal Syrah character that comes from this amphitheater-like appellation are all present in these three cuvees of Cornas. Importer: A Thomas Calder Selection (various importers); Paris fax: 011 33 1 46 45 15 29

Vivid ruby. Perfumed nose offers red and dark berries, tobacco, flowers and licorice. Broad and sweet on the palate, with a hint of black pepper providing lift to the sweet blackberry and blueberry flavors. Finishes with gentle tannins, a note of candied licorice and very good grip.

Saturated red. Highly aromatic scents of raspberry, kirsch, graphite, potpourri and anise. Zesty, mineral-driven red fruit flavors are complemented by sexy floral pastille flavors and firmed by dusty tannins. This very fresh wine features strong finishing cut and impressive lingering florality, and should be drinkable a couple of years after release.