2012 Cornas

I tasted a number of barrels of Allemand's 2012s, which will eventually be combined into the two different bottlings that he normally releases, especially from a vintage like 2012, which he described as "classic in many ways but also approachable because the tannins aren't the type that require aging to integrate." Sample #1, from young vines in Teziers: Highly floral, minerally and pure, offering fresh red berry aromas and flavors and a touch of white pepper. Incisive and very long, with repeating minerality. Sample #2, from older vines in Teziers: Deeper, more pungent dark fruits on the nose and palate. Sappy and appealingly sweet, with a sexy violet pastille nuance on the back half. Sample #3, from Reynard: Pungent, smoke-tinged dark berry and licorice scents pick up a stony quality with air. Weighty but lively as well, showing excellent clarity to its bitter cherry and cassis flavors. Finishes smoky and long, with a whiplash of juicy dark fruits and supple tannins.