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Indeed, all along the year, 2012 did not spare the Vignerons : even the savviest got confused, almost losing their points of references, while dealing with its tricks ! Heterogeneity in the vineyard would bear, right from the start, the mark of damage caused by winter frost. Sadly enough, very old Grenache and Syrah vines did not survive this frost. Loss of a precious heritage, impact on the yields of the upcoming harvest, Vignerons were already under pressure…
Conversely, the months of July and August were extremely hot, speeding up the maturing process, as a first step, but worsening water stress, in a second. Rarest reaction, the Vignerons came to bless the rains that fell beginning of September, as they profitably revived the phenolic ripening of the grapes. In the end, deciding the right moment to pick up grapes caused the serious Vignerons a real headache ! To the extent that the harvesting of the different cépages, in the different parcelles, followed a more than widely unusual order…
And now, for one more uncommon observation : opting for a later harvest was not necessarily the winning choice, in 2012 : the exception that
proves the rule !
Now, at this stage, as the Wines are nearing the end of the fermenting process,
they already impose their real potential : they are very, very, good… Thus, they lead us to admit that, from contrasts, Harmony can arise...
Les Chaillots, Patou, les Eygats.
Ageing24 mois in new barrels - Tronçais et Allier.
16°C
Decant 2 hours before tasting.
The wine is dense, concentrated, a trifle austere. You need to be patient!
13,5%
BottlingWithout fining and filtration.
CépagesSerine Syrah
More burly and muscular, the 2012 Cornas Coteaux (couteaux means slope) dishes out big blackberry and raspberry fruit, graphite, smoked meat and tinges of mint to go with full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. The concentration and underlying structure here give this a slightly more backward feel, yet it opens nicely in the glass and has the fruit and texture
Jeb Dunnuck
Wine Advocate
, 91-94/100
, 2013-12-01
A bolt of graphite cuts through the middle, while intense raspberry, boysenberry and plum sauce notes race along. Dark spice accents fuel the finish, along with alluring briar and bay nuances in the background.
James Molesworth
Wine Spectator
, 93/100
, 2015-04-30
Firm and edgy with blackberry and black raspberry fruit; smoke and minerals in a tightly wound package; fine structure and great potential; give it time.
Anthony Dias Blue
Tasting Panel
, 93/100
, 2015-03-01
Bright purple. An intensely perfumed bouquet displays aromas of fresh dark berries, cherry compote and vanilla, with exotic floral pastille and Indian spice notes adding complexity and building with air. Pliant blackberry and cassis flavors show excellent depth and growing sweetness, along with a hint of smokiness. The spice and floral qualities come back strong on the finish, which hangs on with superb tenacity and a hint of dusty tannins.
Josh Raynolds
Vinous
, 92/100
, 2015-02-01
Bright purple. Intense aromas of blackberry, violet and smoky oak, plus a hint of olive. Sweet, dense and full but also lithe, offering spice-accented cassis, blackberry, violet and licorice pastille flavors. Spreads out on the finish, which shows substantial but harmonious tannins and an echo of smokiness.
Josh Raynolds
Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar
, 91-93/100
, 2014-04-01
60- and 100-year-old vines. Blueish purple. Big and beefy with great structure but exciting fruit in the middle too. Really vibrant and persistent.
Jancis Robinson
, 17+/20
, 2013-11-04
Dark in color and in flavor profile, this medium-bodied Cornas boasts aromas and flavors reminiscent of chocolate fudge, espresso and plummy fruit, all framed by soft, dusty tannins.
Joe Czerwinski
Wine Enthusiast
, 90/100
, 2016-04-19