2020 Cornas, Reynard, Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Rhône

100% Syrah. First time this parcel has been bottled separately. Cask sample.

Cassis and blueberry notes with a purity of expression. Depth on the mid palate. More of the rugged character of Cornas, the palate vigorous with tightly wound tannins. It will need some time.

Drink 2027 - 2035

A new Cornas cuvée for 2020. The oak is immediately apparent, with its seductively sweet spices. Smooth, voluptuous and medium- to full-bodied. It's extremely polished and has that innate Reynards class and intensity. There's good length to the fruit and plenty of vibrant acidity. It's young but is likely to be very good in time. From 60-year-old vines.

Drink 2024 - 2033

Pretty clove, slate and tar notes interwoven with blue fruit and flowers. Full-bodied with firm, dry tannins. Compact. Spicy and firm with wood, which should integrate.

A saturated ruby colour. Highly expressive, spice- and mineral-accented aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, pungent flowers and olive, along with a hint of incense that emerges as the wine opens up. It offers deeply concentrated cassis, blueberry, violet pastille, and cola flavours that show superb depth and energy thanks to a core of smoky minerality. Finishes spicy, broad and impressively long, with steadily building tannins and repeating florality.

The 2020 Cornas Reynard is a solid step up. A new wine in the lineup and from unquestionably the finest terroir in the appellation, its deep ruby hue is followed by an awesome bouquet of cassis, graphite, iron, smoked herbs, and pepper. With medium to full body, a multi-dimensional, layered mouthfeel, silky tannins, and one heck of a great finish, this is pure Cornas goodness that will evolve for 15 years.

Drink 2022 - 2038