TN: 2001 M. Chapoutier Cornas (France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas)

ToddFrench · June 12, 2009, 5:28pm

2001 M. Chapoutier Cornas - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas (5/12/2009)
Beautiful wine - nose of grilled meat, roasted vegetables, and pencil graphite. Nice density and mouthfeel, some acidity still very present. Tannins are small, very rounded, fully integrated. On the palate, more roasted meats, red and blue fruits, a hint of minerality, and a pleasant charred fruit finish that actually builds over 20 seconds’ time. (91 pts.)

John_Cabot · June 12, 2009, 5:45pm

IIRC, 01 was a big tannic year in Cornas/ N. Rhone. Did you think it could have slept a while longer? How much life would you say it had left?
I love Cornas!

ToddFrench · June 12, 2009, 5:46pm

DEFINITELY more life! I didn’t really mention that the tannic structure was rather big overall, even if the tannins themselves were small - there were a lot, yet, they were still integrated, but nowhere near the end of life or development in the wine.

I’d say this easily goes 5 years, probably 10. I’ve got 6 more waiting.

Phil_Wilkins · June 12, 2009, 5:50pm

Noiiiccceeeeee! Can’t Cornas be a wonderful wine. That one should have years ahead of it too.

ToddFrench · June 12, 2009, 5:51pm

It’s odd to be in a stage where it is both nicely balanced and integrated but also obviously ready for way more life ahead. It’s as if it does not have a closed phase, but then again, I didn’t try it 2-3 years after release either.