2016 Domaine Alain Verset Cornas

Brilliant purple. Fresh black currant and cherry aromas are complicated by suggestions of cracked pepper, smoky bacon, olive and succulent flowers. Supple, appealingly sweet black and blue fruit flavors show very good depth and turn livelier with air. A bright mineral element adds lift and vibrant cut to the long, floral-dominated and youthfully tannic finish, which leaves a hint of candied violet behind. (JR)