2018 Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Premices
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Tasting notes
Deep, glistening ruby. Spice-accented aromas of black raspberry, pungent flowers and smoky minerals, plus a hint of olive. Concentrated yet lively as well, offering juicy dark berry, floral pastille and cracked pepper flavors and a touch of smokiness. Fleshes out slowly with air and shows fine clarity and appealing sweetness on the long, gently tannic finish.
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Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Cornas Premices comes from the brothers' young vines, but it is a concentrated, stony example in its own right. Dark in hue, it offers up scents of red plums and crushed stone, plus subtle herb and floral shadings. Medium to full-bodied, with a silky texture and a refreshing hit of licorice on the lengthy finish, it's approachable now, yet should drink well for at least 5-6 years.
Starting with the 2018 Cornas Prémices, which can be thought of as the entry-level Cornas, it reveals a deep purple hue as well as stunning purity in its blue fruits, violets, ground pepper, and charred meat-like aromas and flavors. Rich and full-bodied, it has loads of fruit, silky tannins, and is just a killer Cornas to enjoy over the coming decade or so.
100% Syrah. Aged for 12 months in oak (20% new). Cask sample. Tasted blind. Candied fruits that are more red than black. Dry, tannic finish and an oxidative bruising to the finish. Lacks freshness. (RH)