Tardieu-Laurent Tardieu-Laurent Cornas Vieilles Vignes 2019 750ml

Juicy, with a core of blackberry, raspberry and black currant compote flavors that bristles with energy, thanks to sweet tapenade, licorice root and singed mesquite notes mixed in. The finish is fine-grained and harnesses everything together nicely. Shows serious juice. Best from 2024 through 2038. 175 cases made, 15 cases imported. (James Molesworth)

More smoked game, bouquet garni, bacon fat, violets, and red and blue fruits emerge from the 2019 Cornas. It’s full-bodied, concentrated, and impressive on the palate, with both richness and freshness as well as building tannins. It’s going to need bottle age, but it’s impressive.