2009 Cornas Granit 30

Inky ruby. Spicy cherry and blackberry aromas, with an energetic floral note adding complexity and tangy mineral providing lift. Silky and sweet, with sappy berry liqueur and candied violet qualities on the palate. The seductive, persistent finish shows smoky spiciness and lingering florality.

The 2009 Cornas Granite 30 possesses medium to full body as well as plenty of black fruit, graphite, licorice, smoked game and asphalt characteristics. Drink it over the next 15+ years. While the 2009s are softer and more accessible (because of lower acids and more opulent textures), they are extremely large-scaled, substantial reds that will benefit from a few more years of cellaring. Importer: A Thomas Calder Selection (various importers). Paris fax: 011 33 1 46 45 15 29

Opaque ruby. Ripe aromas of blackberry and cherry compote, licorice and smoky herbs. Sweet dark berry and sassafras flavors show the ripeness of the vintage but don't come off as heavy. Impressively energetic, with very good finishing clarity and persistence. As it opened up, a sexy floral quality emerged, along with a hint of dried flowers.