2007 Vincent Paris "La Geynale" Cornas (Previously $60)

92 Stephen Tanzer's IWC: "Ruby-red. Exotically perfumed bouquet smoky dark berries, incense, anise and tobacco, complicated by a sexy floral quality. Juicy, deeply concentrated black raspberry and blackcurrant flavors are enlivened by a tangy mineral note and framed by chewy tannins. This has taken a darker turn since I saw it last year. The finish repeats the anise and floral notes and lingers impressively. As serious as the Granit 60 seems, this is even more brooding today" (Jan/Feb 10) 91-93 points Robert Parker: "The most impressive offering is the black/purple-colored 2007 Cornas La Geynale. Aromas of pen ink, charcoal, blackberry jam, licorice, and saddle leather are followed by huge, massive flavors suggestive of concentrated beef blood and ink. Dense, pure, rich, and broodingly backward, it needs 5-6 years of bottle age, and should drink well over the following two decades." (04/09) 93 points Wine Spectator: "A modern Cornas, this keeps the dark, sauvage notes of grilled herb, tobacco and olive, but marries them to sleeker tannins and dark, fleshy currant and cherry fruit. The long, iron-tinged finish lets a garrigue note chime in. Mouthwatering. Drink now through 2020." (09/09) La Geynale is a debut vintage for Vincent, as he recently inherited one of most coveted vineyards in Cornas from his legendary winemaking uncle, Robert Michel. Production from this small 1.25-hectare plot is limited. This one is for the cellar, to 2012-2020 with a seven-hour gigot d'agneau!