2019 Guillaume Gilles Cornas - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas (2/19/2023)
Decanted 8hrs. This had my full attention for 2.5 hrs. Texture…..something I usually write about in the middle of a TN, but here it demanded to be showcased as this was a superb Cornas with its perfectly woven fabric, utterly seamless. Some other thoughts: I get sandalwood a good deal in New World Syrahs, but here it was very pronounced, perfectly balanced and very appealing (from whole stem inclusion I’d guess). There is some density and sweetness of fruit showing the warm vintage, but it really didn’t register until the back half and finish, with the wines more savory elements taking center stage. A really good comparison is Domaine Lionnet - both rapidly rising stars in Cornas and whose wines have both soul and elegance. I could go on.
Thanks for the note. Great vigneron, great every year. I have enjoyed Gilles’s wines since the 2007 vintage. The wine he makes for Cuchet-Beliando is also a knockout.
Ha! I hear ya Todd. If this adds any comfort, after finishing the bottle I did have a moment of justification for the wine purchasing disease that so afflicts me.
2019 Guillaume Gilles Cornas - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas (9/5/2024)
Decanted1hr. I’m tempted to state that this bottle ‘suffered’ being served along side the other worldly 2019 Clape, but that would do this wine a disservice as they were both equally brilliant. As other have noted, The GG is a ‘cleaner’ dare I say more 'pretty rendition of Cornas, but with no lack of character or verve. It really gained weight with extended glass airtime, and I just love the texture, so seamless. Ok, with the early looks now out of the way, time to sleep for 5 years or so. (94 points)
