1998 Noël Verset Cornas
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Tasting notes
Delicious vegetal and black cherry flavours on the nose, where the stemmy green character could be too much for many. Or is that garrigue? Lovely beetroot earthiness on the palate, and still plenty of tannic grip on the nose – very Cornas. Long, peppery finish with a touch of meat juice and char. A showboater. (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Verset's 1998 Cornas displays complex redcurrant, cherry pit, violet and spicecake scents, with deeper olive and licorice nuances sneaking up as the wine opens. Lively and sharply focused, it offers spicy red fruit and floral flavors that are underscored by building minerality. It's bright, focused and spicy on the finish, which echoes the floral and spice notes. Anybody who thinks that Cornas can't be elegant really owes it to themselves to try this wine, if they can get their hands on a bottle at this point.
Dark quite healthy crimson. Classic burnt rubber N Rhône Syrah nose. Very savoury rather than sweet! Quite supple and round. Furry tannins on the finish. The fruit itself is relatively evolved already so this is not a long term wine. No great density. (JR)
The 1998 Cornas possesses depth as well as attractive ripeness, medium to full body, and aromas and flavors of damp earth, leather, blackberries, and minerals. It requires 2-3 years of cellaring, and should last for 14-15 years. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel (510) 524-1524