This is from two parcels of ancient vines planted on vertiginous slopes, 50% destemmed and matured in 100% new Troncais and Alliers oak. Rather gentle on the nose, momentarily subdued, this gradually reveals controlled, red and black fruit, pepper-spiced, with background tobacco notes. The palate is much more effusive, super-ripe, generous and opulent, powerful certainly yet quintessentially elegant and poised. This is a magnificent Cornas which, sadly, is extremely rare and will inevitably be over-subscribed.Estimated arrival UK : January 2013