In the exceptional vintages, Michel Tardieu and Dominique Laurent have produced a cuvee of Vieilles Vignes from Cornas, as they have access to some fabulous fruit from old vineyards such as the 100-year-old vines from Robert Michel’s Chaillot and Geynale Vineyards. They didn’t make one in 2006, and the result is the 2006 Cornas Coteaux. Inky purple to the rim, with notes of scorched earth, truffle, and animal fat, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with sweet tannin, superb intensity, and purity. This is a stunning Cornas that should drink well for 15 or more years. This high-quality negociant operation, started by Burgundian Dominique Laurent and his southern sidekick, the charismatic Michel Tardieu, continues to turn out high-class wines from purchased wine. Front man Michel Tardieu seems to know some of the finest growers in the Rhone, and he is willing to pay top dollar in order to get the stuff he wants.Importers: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808 and Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0029

Dark, ripe, currant nose. Super fruit flavour here. Ripe, yet meaty, red plum fruit, integrated. Fine length. Super.