As typical of the style here, Courbis's 2018 Cornas les Eygats is full-bodied and plush. It's even a bit warm, with chocolate and roasted meat notes, yet it remains vibrant and lively on the palate and through the long, mouthwatering finish.

In contrast to the Champelrose, which seemed to be closing down slightly, the 2017 Cornas les Eygats was in fine form at the domaine last July. Crushed stone notes and hints of resinous herbs accent red currants and cassis in a wine that's full-bodied and velvety. It's aged in 50% new oak, yet that's barely perceptible, except perhaps in the wine's richer, plusher texture.

The 2016 Cornas les Eygats is aging in 50% new oak and will likely be bottled in March 2018. It’s inky in hue, with enthralling notes of crushed stone and ripe plums on the nose. It’s full-bodied, rich and velvety on the palate yet also fresh, bright and lively. This won’t need much cellaring to round into form; drink from 2020.

The 2014 Cornas les Eygats is similarly concentrated to the Sabrotte, but offers more pepper, iron, sweet black cherry and strawberry fruit. This medium-bodied, supple, pure and beautifully polished effort is another 2014 that can be enjoyed today, but will keep for a decade. These 2014s show the more mid-weight, focused style of the vintage, yet have beautiful character and are already approachable. Drink these while you wait on the 2015s.