Mature, with very prominent mineral and sanguine notes leading the way for a mix of red currant coulis and mulled black cherry flavors. Lots of savory, white pepper and olive details infuse the mouthwatering finish. Strong effort for the vintage, too. Drink now through 2030. 300 cases made, 20 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Cornas Select to Add

A bigger, richer wine than the Brise Cailloux, the 2014 Cornas Billes Noires sees no destemming and spends 13 months in 400- to 500-liter, very old barrels followed by a year in concrete tanks. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and with the vintage;s freshness and mid-weight feel, it has gorgeous notes of crushed rocks, peppery herbs, black raspberry and smoked bacon. While it leans more towards the fresher, elegant end of the spectrum, it should evolve gracefully on its balance.

Still not yet in bottle, the 2013 Cornas Billes Noires is rock star Cornas that does everything right. Coming from more south and east facing parcel in the northern part of the appellation, it saw 100% whole clusters during fermentation followed by 13 months in Burgundy barrels and demi-muids, then a full year in concrete tanks. Loaded with old school notes of cassis, charcuterie, gamey meats, dark fruit and wild herbs, it’s medium to full-bodied, has a full, layered mid-palate and a beautiful, elegant, seamless texture. It should drink reasonably well on release, but will be better with short term cellaring and drink well through 2028.

This is showing some noticeable maturity already, with supple tobacco, incense and singed cedar notes framing the core of gently steeped plum and black cherry fruit. Light charcoal and mushroom accents line the finish. Alluring, though this is drinking older than it should. Drink now through 2025. 500 cases made, 50 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Cornas Select to Add

Coming from the upper part of Cornas and seeing 24 months in 400-500 Liter barrels (none new), the 2012 Cornas Domaine du Coulet Billes Noires is an incredible effort that’s up with the crème de la crème of the vintage. Its inky purple color is followed by an awesome bouquet of cassis, bacon fat, olive, peppered meat and iron, with additional minerality coming through with air. Classic in every way, with full-bodied richness, stunning purity and integrated acidity, it’s a big, brooding and concentrated effort that’s reasonably approachable now due to its fruit and texture, yet won’t hit prime time until 6-7 years after the vintage and will have two decades of longevity.