2007 Alain Voge Cornas Les Vieilles Vignes

Surprisingly supple and civilized, the 2007 Alain Voge Cornas Vieilles Vignes, 100% Syrah from decomposed granite slopes that’s aged for 18 months in 20% new oak Casks, sports brilliant purity on the nose, showcasing crystal clear notes of blackberry, violets, loads of smoke meat, and edgy minerality that really shines more on the finish. Medium bodied and very focused and clean, with a supple, round texture, integrated acidity, and good finishing length, this delicious, approachable Cornas should benefit from 2-4 years in the cellar, and drink well for a decade after that.

Ruby-red. Vivid ruby. Rich red and dark berry preserves on the nose, with smoked meat, licorice and mineral nuances. Weighty blackberry and cassis flavors coat the palate, with bright minerality providing lift and a note of cherry pit giving the wine a slightly bitter edge. Decidedly more classic Cornas than the Les Chailles, with strong finishing minerality and smokiness. I was looking for serious tannins but didn't detect them; this is pretty graceful for a rich wine.

The superb, dense purple-colored 2007 Cornas Vieilles Vignes exhibits aromas of incense, blackberries, scorched earth, and roasted meats. This long, full-bodied, savage, but civilized offering possesses layers of concentration, superb purity, and a long, tannic finish. It should turn out to be one of the top wines of the vintage in this appellation. Moreover, it will last 15-20 years where well-stored. (Not yet released) With the brilliant oenologist, Albert Mazoyers, in charge of winemaking for Alain Voge, who is now in quasi-retirement, these wines have gotten stronger and more consistent over recent vintages. Voge is fashioning the finest dry white of St.-Peray. In some vintages, Voge produces a luxury Cornas cuvee called Les Vieilles Fontaines, but that wine was not produced in 2007. Voge is now producing some attractive, consumer-friendly St.-Joseph. Importer: No known American importer