"The 2009 Cornas Chante Perdrix is all of that, but slightly softer because of the style of the vintage. It is hard to say that any Cornas can be opulent because the tannins are often off the charts, but this 2009 has a voluptuous opening on the palate before the tannins begin to ratchet up. Inky/purple-hued, layered and full-bodied, it offers notes of smoked meats, duck, Chinese black tea, blackberries and licorice. It is an enormously inky, thick wine that needs to be forgotten for 5-6 years and drunk over the following 20-25 years.
Another great negociant with significant vineyard holdings, and at the top of their game, is undeniably Delas, owned by the Louis Roederer/Deutz Champagne firm. Since they acquired Delas well over a decade ago, this firm has been under the management of Burgundian Jacques Grange, who has done an outstanding job producing a sensational array of wines. The 2009s appear to be their finest overall performances to date, and the 2010s are noteworthy successors in a more restrained, mineral dominated, crisper style. Jacques Grange did a fabulous job with his Cote Roties in both 2009 and 2010, the latter being a somewhat more challenging vintage in this appellation. The Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes (until the 2009 vintage, this offering was known as the Hermitage Marquise de la Tourette) is sensational in both 2010 and 2009. Three thousand cases of this cuvee are produced, and the wine is aged in French oak, 50% new." (WA)
"Opaque purple. Black and blue fruits on the nose, with complicating violet and mocha nuances and a touch of licorice. Densely packed, weighty dark fruit compote flavors are lifted by zesty minerality and pick up a smoky quality with air. Very rich but balanced as well, with excellent finishing thrust and persistence." (IWC)
Winery Notes:
The vineyard lies entirely on the commune of Cornas located on the right Rhône river bank. The soils are varied, with odd alluvium deposits on steep, shale slopes that are held up by dry stone walls. The climate is mid continental, well protected and exposed to the sun by steep south and south-east facing slopes. This wine is a blend from grapes grown on various plots, all of them are facing due south.
Winemaking
All the grapes for the cuvée "Chante Perdrix" are picked by hand, plot by plot, when they have reached their optimal maturity. Fermentation takes place in traditional, open-topped concrete tanks, and after three days pre-fermentary skin contact at cool temperatures takes place. Maceration continues at computer controlled temperatures between 82°F to 90°F (28° and 32°C). Daily cap pushing down and pumping over are carried out for about 10 days; the total maceration time is up to 20 days. After de-vatting and pressing, malolactic fermentation is carried out in oak barrels. Ageing lasts between 14 and 16 months, 50 percent in new oak casks, 50 percent in one-year-old casks. These are regularly topped up.
Tasting Notes
The color is an intense garnet red. In its youth, this wine has strong cassis aromas. With time, the fruit aromas gradually fade, giving way to hints of pepper and licorice. The palate is structured and has the strongly defined flavors that are typical of this terroir.
Serving
Pair this wine with grilled beef, wild mushrooms and spicy stews made with game. |
