2009 Rhone en primeur: Vincent Paris

03/03/11

"Vincent Paris's 2009s are spectacular" - Robert Parker

'Vincent Paris’s 2009s are spectacular wines that will repay 10-20 years of cellaring (in the case of La Geynale and Granite 60 Vieilles Vignes). These are rich, full-bodied efforts that cut a nice style between the traditional and more modern, barrique-aged Cornas. Purity, texture and an unmistakable gamy, animal Syrah character that comes from this amphitheater-like appellation are all present in these three cuvees of Cornas.' - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, February 2011

Young and over-achieving, Vincent Paris built his own house and winery as well as being a talented and hard-working vigneron. But he is very shy and very modest, and, despite his brilliant wines - especially in 2009 - and despite our championing him since the early 2000s, his reputation has only started to pick up real momentum over the last couple of years. In fact he is now in danger of becoming the Jean-Marie Fourrier of the northern Rhone.

Vincent was able to branch out a bit a couple of years ago when investors bought and leased him a portion of the La Genale vineyard that had belonged to his uncle (the late Robert Michel), and he has certainly made the most of that. Of his main wines, the Granit 30 is nearest to a young drinking style, with the old vine Granit 60 and La Geynale (sic) needing to be cellared. The latter two are all about Cornas, where the younger vine cuvee is more about Syrah. Vincent prunes his vines more severely than is the custom in Cornas, aiming at having no more than four bunches per vine, as opposed to the more usual five to seven in the AOC. He ferments at low temperatures and retains more aromatics. Again like Fourrier, he is also keen on cutting down on the sulphur he has to use. All in all a terrific set of wines from the most soulful part of the Septentrionale. /CW

Offered subject to confirmation for shipment this autumn

View all Vincent Paris's wines