The 2010 Cornas Les Eygats reveals even more intense, blacker fruits as well as more forest floor, truffle, camphor and subtle smoke characteristics along with an undeniable liqueur of wet rocks/minerals. This intense, full-bodied, powerful 2010 will need 5-8 years of cellaring and should keep for two decades or more. (Not yet released)Two brilliant vintages from Domaine Courbis include the more forward 2009s and the equally fine 2010s, which will require considerable patience. The 2010s have slightly higher acids, which tends to make the tannins more noticeable, but they are also extremely concentrated, with massive palate impressions. It is often said that Cornas is made for those with 19th century palates, but Courbis has tamed the uncivilized ruggedness and wilder aspects of Cornas, resulting in huge wines, but undeniably Cornas.Importer: Russell Herman, Berkeley Heights, NJ; tel. (908) 771-9082

Gorgeous aromas of acacia flowers, blueberries and blackberries jump from the glass of the opaque purple-colored 2009 Cornas Les Eygats. Even though small barrels were used in the wine’s upbringing, there is not a trace of new oak to be found in this cuvee. Notes of roasted meats, cassis, blackberries, licorice and truffles are found in this full-bodied, sensational Cornas that should drink well for 20 years. Two brilliant vintages from Domaine Courbis include the more forward 2009s and the equally fine 2010s, which will require considerable patience. The 2010s have slightly higher acids, which tends to make the tannins more noticeable, but they are also extremely concentrated, with massive palate impressions. It is often said that Cornas is made for those with 19th century palates, but Courbis has tamed the uncivilized ruggedness and wilder aspects of Cornas, resulting in huge wines, but undeniably Cornas.Importer: Russell Herman, Berkeley Heights, NJ; tel. (908) 771-9082

Exhibiting a denser purple color as well as more blackberry, coffee, tar, fig, and forest floor notes is the 2007 Cornas Les Eygats. It is a denser effort with more floral notes, blacker fruit, and a more brooding personality. (Not yet released)Domaine Courbis appears to have an enlightened winemaking style, using some small oak casks and picking ripe fruit, but never losing the typicity one expects of these wines. Brothers Laurent and Dominique Courbis are avid believers in terroir, and the top cuvees are named after their respective vineyards. There are three vineyard designated wines from Cornas, all from well-known lieux-dits, that are more similar than dissimilar. The 2007s are lighter than the richer 2006s. 2006 is a strong vintage in Cornas, and Domaine Courbis has produced three excellent wines.Importer: Russell Herman, Berkeley Heights, NJ; tel. (908) 771-9082