2022 Cornas St Pierre
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Tasting notes
From a lieu-dit at the top of the appellation that's just before the upper plateau, the 2022 Cornas Domaine De Saint Pierre has some classic Cornas game, pepper, iron, and olive notes as well as ample darker fruits, medium body, ripe, nicely integrated tannins, and outstanding length. This balanced, structured Cornas will benefit from 2-3 years in the cellar and shine over the following decade or more. Drink 2027-2037. It is always a great tasting with Caroline Frey at Paul Jaboulet Aîné, and the wines showed beautifully across the board. The style here continues to emphasize purity and freshness, with a focus on vibrancy and precision. Starting with the 2021 vintage, the Hermitage La Chapelle wines were split off under the new Domaine de la Chapelle label and brand, marking a major step for the Frey family in differentiating the brands. Paul Jaboulet Aîné continues to produce a strong lineup across the Northern Rhône, including Condrieu Les Grands Amandiers, Crozes-Hermitage Thalabert and Domaine de Roure, Saint Joseph La Croix des Vignes, Côte Rôtie Les Pierrelles, and Cornas Domaine de Saint Pierre. The newer Cornas Reynard cuvée, first made in 2020, continues to impress. Hermitage La Maison Bleue rounds out the range.
Critic scores
Average Score
Alistair Cooper MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Crafted from vines planted at one of the highest points of the appellation, at 400 meters in altitude, the 2022 Cornas Domaine de Saint-Pierre reveals a brooding, dark bouquet of spices and pencil lead, mingled with smoke and toasty notes. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it's structured with powdery tannins, concluding with a long, fresh, delicate finish. With its elegant, controlled power, this stunning Cornas is particularly charming.
The 2022 Cornas Domaine de Saint Pierre easily outperforms the 2021 I tasted last year. Its ripe black cherry, pencil shaving, crushed violet and cedar aromas introduce it. Full-bodied, savory and structured, the 2022 is a very good Cornas, closing with afterglow on the complex finish. That said, it demands at least three more years before starting to unleash its full potential.
Cask sample. Cola and raw meat on the nose, some balsamic notes and spice. The palate is fresh and surprisingly bright and vibrant. The tannins are firm and still need plenty of time, the oak is there in the background. Good intensity of fruit as well, some stony, earthy and iodine notes. Attractive, both dense and elegant at the same time! (AC)