2022 Cornas La Geynale

The 2022 Cornas La Geynale, the only cuvée at this address fermented with 100% whole clusters, wafts from the glass with aromas of violet, iris, licorice and spices mingled with carnal/animal-like notes. Medium to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it's framed by structured tannins, a dry, robust mid-palate and a long, meaty and saline finish. Notably, it is the most overtly tannic wine in the range this year, and the presence of phenols likely enhances its robustness. Despite these challenges, the wine’s telluric character is unmistakably present.

The 2022 Cornas La Geynale impresses with pronounced aromas of crushed violet, orange rind, black cherry, graphite, dried meat, blackberry jam, roasted herbs and a flicker of leather. Full-bodied and deeply concentrated, it's powerfully structured like a skyscraper, yet infused with lifting energy that balances its sheer intensity. Gracefully winding down with a long, savory finish, the 2022 La Geynale is a bold and serious rendition of this legendary Cornas.

Whole-cluster fermentation with indigenous yeasts after 5-day cold maceration. Vatting for 25 days with twice daily pumpovers (no punchdowns). Aged for 16 months in used (two to eight years old) oak barrels. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Smoky and slightly reduced on the nose with a hit of black pepper. The palate has good freshness as well as taut tannins – moderate intensity as well on the mid palate. Quite elegant and appealing in style. (AC)