2018 Vincent Paris Cornas la Geynale (Pre-arrival)

Decanter 97 – “This is intense with mouthcoating, ripe tannins that turn your mouth inside out but with remarkably fresh and vibrant smashed blackberry fruit underneath and a distinct juniper and oregano vein to the aromatics. It has an exceptional length with extraordinary vibrancy and terroir expression. A force of nature that’s still very defined and focussed despite the power and ripeness of the fruit. High alcohol this year, high everything – this is a wine that consumes you, rather than the other way around. From 100-year-old vines, no destemming, five-day cold maceration, then fermented with wild yeasts. Twice daily remontage, no punching down, then aged for 16 months in 2 to 8-year-old barriques. Grown on the granite slopes of lieu-dit La Geynale, one of the finest of the appellation.”
Jeb Dunnuck (94-96)+ – “The 2018 Cornas La Geynale is largely in the same style as the Granit 60, only with the gamey, bloody and meaty character (as well as tannins) turned up a notch. Black and blue fruits, rare meat, ground pepper, and wild herbs all give way to a structured, tannic wine that has beautiful purity and elegance. It’s not for those looking for instant gratification, however. This cuvée comes from a single parcel, is not destemmed, and will see 16 months in 2- to 8-year-old barrels.”
Vinous 95 – “Opaque ruby. Highly aromatic aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, incense, exotic spices, violet and a hint of olive. Densely packed and lively on the palate, offering intense dark berry liqueur, floral pastille and salty olive flavors, a hint of smoky minerality and building spiciness. Finishes chewy, focused and extremely long, with mounting tannins lending shape and grip to vivid dark fruit and floral notes.”