2021 Vincent Paris Cornas La Geynale

A gorgeous nose, fresh, precise and surprisingly aromatic for a Cornas. The smoky oak and peppery Syrah spice combine well. Not massive, this is actually quite lean and precise, but there’s a great sense of energy and focus. The tannins are intense, quite sharp and bony, but should round out in time. The acidity is really quite intense, this will always be a brisk, athletic Cornas, but should make some complex old bones. Fairly long finish. Whole-bunch fermented from 100-year-old vines grown in Reynard. Aged in used barrels, no new oak. 5,000 bottles made. 96 points

(casks) quite a full red colour; the bouquet concentrates around sweet-toned black cherry fruit, a note of noble volatile acidity, has a sappy tone, the fruit soaked. The palate is also sweetly lined, has a perfumed, rose-violet nature with the cherry fruit and tannins aromatic and mild, easy going. It’s going to be ready quite soon – say open for business from mid-2024, takes a gourmand, fleshy route. The finish has a slight puckering of dryness, and that needs further time. 14°. 5,000 b. 2041-43 4 stars