2011 Cornas Reynard

(60-70 year Syrah, oldest 1934, near Pigeonnier, used cask, always very ripe, low acidity wine) ****(*) deep robe. Black fruit and violet mix in a weighty nose that shows reduction, the fruit combines blackberry and cassis, it seems. The palate has a thick, consistent fabric, with round, intense, gummy tannins that retain a floral, lighter note. Charming on the finish. Not a Big Boy Year. “It is round, structured, but not in a mineral style,” Thiérry Allemand. 22 years. (a mix of Chaillot, Tezier, Moser and Genale, 1920s, 1960s Syrah, used cask) ***** thorough dark purple-black robe. Has a floral-violet air, a big floral presence with a gleaming blackberry fruit alongside it – an inviting bouquet here. The palate has an orderly, sweet touch flavour with sparky tannin entering towards the finish, taking up a mineral baton. This has very good central palate fruit, with flair and lift on the violet, mocha finish. Good wine – pedigree, style. 21 years. (Reynard, ex Noël Verset, 1908-09, 1930s Syrah, chunky granite) ***** full, dark robe. Square, robust aroma with a roasted outer air, good, deep blackberry fruit present. This is the heart of the wine: it holds racy fruit, has a full couch of tannins with crunchy definition and smoked, bacon-style moments. There is good gras here, and a deep note of beef stock. Fresh and abundant wine. 24 years. OVERALL ***** plenty to get tucked into here: the wine has good core, a true lining of tannins, and is fresh - pretty good portents, thus. It will take its time to meld and will be showing extremely well around 10+ years of age. It will live well: to 2034-37. Nov 2012, www.drinkrhone.com

John Livingstone-Learmonth, Drink Rhône    Score: 99/100