One of the rising stars in the appellation, the young Vincent Paris made a beautiful 2005 Cornas Granit 60 Vieilles Vignes. Coming from the steeper parts of the appellation (the number refers to the slope of the parcels, not the age of the vines) in the parcels of Patou, Mazards and Sauman, it offers perfumed notes of white pepper, black raspberries, mint, cedar and searing, granite-induced minerality. Fresh, focused and lively, with lots of granite character, bright acidity and good fruit, it benefits from a decant and will evolve nicely for another 7-8 years.

While very tannic, the 2005 Cornas Granite 60 Vieilles Vignes displays more extraction, volume, and texture in the mouth as well as superb animal/gamey characteristics. This wine should eventually throw off its cloak of tannin, and last for 15-18 years. A Thomas Calder Selection (various importers) Paris, fax 011-33-1-46-45-15-29

From old vines, partially destemmed and aged in old (3–10 years) barrels, this is a wonderfully pure expression of Cornas. Think fresh blueberries with a sprinkling of clove and a dash of black pepper. Firm tannins mark the finish; this needs at least five more years of aging.——J.C.(9/1/2007)—— 91