Already in bottle and made from 100% Syrah, the 2012 Cotes du Rhone Les Peyrouses is a fresh, lively and supple effort that gives up ample plum, black raspberry and mineral notes to go with surprising depth and richness on the palate. Showing outstanding length, this smoking value should be purchased by the case and consumed over the coming 4-5 years. One of the leading estates in Cornas, Alain Voge, with more and more assistance from Alberic Mazoyer (formerly at Chapoutier), produces some of the most impressive, concentrated and rich wines of the appellation. Owning 17 acres in Cornas, spread across 12 different plots, and 15 acres in Saint Peray, this estate produces two whites from Saint Peray and up to three Cornas in any given vintage. In Cornas, the first cuvee is the Les Chailles, which comes from vines planted in the mid-1980s. Aged 18 months in neutral oak, it is the most forward and approachable of the releases. The old vine Vieilles Vignes cuvee sees more time in oak (some of which can be new) and comes from vines averaging 30 to90 years in age. Lastly, the tiny production and top wine, the Les Vieilles Fontaines, is a vineyard selection (normally from the Les Cotes and Chaillot lieux-dits) that sees up to 24 months in 15% new oak. Both the Vieilles Vignes and Les Vieilles Fontaines are serious, concentrated wines that will benefit from short-term cellaring. As a whole, vinification here is semi-modern, with plenty of destemming, and while the wines shows gorgeous polish and purity, they never lose their Cornas soul. These wines need to be on every reader’s short list. Importer: Citadel Trading Corp., New York, NY; tel. (212) 245-2844

Racy and pure, with a chiseled, chalky frame around the edges of the damson plum, black cherry and violet core. A twinge of iron leaves a tangy feel. Syrah. Drink now. 420 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / C?tes du Rh?ne Select to Add