"Inky ruby. An explosively perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and dark berries, licorice, exotic spices and incense, along with a strong, smoky mineral overtone. Stains the palate with sweet, sharply delineated black raspberry, boysenberry, violet pastille and spicecake flavors that become more lively with air. Displays a compelling marriage of richness and finesse and finishes extremely long, seamless and precise, with smooth tannins coming in late. - Josh Raynolds"
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (April 2018), 94 pts
Go To Johann Michel Cornas Mere Michel
"Shades of crushed granite, cacao and leather lend earthen, savory complexities to this gorgeously raw, rustic Cornas. Black plum and cherry flavors are ripe and concentrated, edged by firm, fiery tannins. It needs a bit of time to soften and meld but should improve well through 2037. - Anna LEE C. IIJIMA"
"A new cuvée (at least for me), the 2017 Cornas Mere Michel comes from sandy, granite-laced soils and was brought up in new demi-muids. It's largely in the same mold as the traditional cuvée yet has another level of richness, depth, and texture. Blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, burning embers, and a kiss of bloody meat all flow to a rich, powerful Cornas that has ultra-fine tannins, beautiful mid-palate depth, and a great, great finish. It's unquestionably a candidate for the wine of the vintage in Cornas. Bravo!"
"This is a serious wine, it's powerful and full bodied but not excessive, very ripe but not overripe without relying on extraction. It’s fresh, deeply saline and mineral with elaborate, detailed aromatics. The fruit is intense, matching the oak without being swamped by it, underpinned by serrated, edgy tannins and a very long finish. Selection massale planted in 2011 on lieu-dit Les Côtes, south-facing at 230m altitude. No destemming, aged in new demi-muids for 16 months. Drinking Window 2026 - 2036."
"Ripe, lushly styled waves of blackberry and black currant preserves are backed by singed alder and tobacco leaf notes and a strong tug of burly tar through the finish. The combination makes for an impressive rendering of Syrah. 15 cases imported. — James MOLESWORTH"