2013 Vincent Paris Cornas La Geynale

Graphite, fine balsamic touches, sticky plum sauce – moving out of fruit into something else. Full-bodied, this has impressive density. Great tannic swell on the finish however, and stone-licking dry tannic freshness on the tongue. Surprisingly fine tannins for the vintage, and finishes with menthol and smoke. Still in a slightly truculent phase aromatically – not quite out of its chrysalis yet – this is a great Geynale in the making, but still needs time to express itself. A very involving wine with great character. Hundred-year-old vines. No destemming. Five-day cold maceration, then fermented with wild yeasts. Twice daily remontage, no punching down, then aged for 12-16 months in two- to 8-year-old barriques. Grown on the granite slopes of lieu-dit La Geynale, one of the finest of the appellation. Drink 2026-2040. 98 points