04’ Marcel (Olga) Juge Cuvee C Cornas- Juge has become somewhat of an interest for me. I have read very little as there is little information around, besides old Parker Rhone books, Polaner site, a review from Gilman and a nice note from Gutierrez (the new spanish reviewer for WA) but besides that very little is written.
From what I can piece together:
Marcel is an old school producer who is now retired and relegated to his 50cs a year. Marcel originally handed his winery down to Olga his daughter but soon after she realized that running a winery was of little interest so he now leases his vines to Domaine Tunnel, keeping some of the best grapes for himself. He is aided in his wines elevage by both Polaner as well as Eric Texier. Marcel made three cuvees, ‘C’, ‘S’ and a regular Cornas depending on the year.
If anyone has anything to add it would be appreciated.
To the wine:
I had read several tasting notes on this wine and if this bottle is an indication, it is shutting down for a good long nap. The color is really light, think traditional Rioja no signs of age and as the bottle has been open, the wine is becoming darker filing out the light Cherry color. The nose was fairly muted on opening showing light fruit notes, cherry, hint of plum. But as it’s been open 5 hours it’s really starting to open, showing more roasted meats, violets, ash… AHH, there comes the pepper, game. It’s got this really interesting high toned note that I can’t place, it’s a little mint mixed with cassis, but not rich, more of a leafy cassis note (almost Chinon like) with blood, cinnamon, iron with semi dark cherry notes coming out.
The palate starts out with all iron, blood, minerals it’s lighter, fresh with great acid. Tart cherry fruit, moderate weight with game and funk on the long finish. It continues to build weight as it’s open.
This reminds me a lot of a top flight 15 year old Rioja or Barbaresco, it’s tight as a drum right now and you can see this really blossoming when it comes out of it’s slumber. I’m going to hold on to half the bottle and see what happens tomorrow night.