2011 Domaine Vincent Paris "Granit 30" Cornas (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1122462 93-95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The fabulous 2011 Cornas Granite 30 is one of the great wines of the vintage. Elegant, with a black/blue color, sweet tannin and loads of spring flowers, crushed rocks, smoked game and blackberry fruit, this textured, loaded, supple, accessible 2011 should drink nicely for 15 or more years. Vincent Paris is a child of Cornas and his biodynamically run estate now encompasses around 17-18 acres, from which he fashions three remarkable cuvees, the Granite 30, Granite 60 Vieilles Vignes and an offering from the well-known parcel of La Geynale. Paris has enjoyed three consecutive remarkable vintages (as have a number of the finest Cornas producers), 2009, 2010 and 2011. The Granite 30 generally comes from the lower hillside parcels of a lieu-dit called Mazards with soils that are mostly decomposed granite. These are also his youngest vines. You would never know that by tasting what Paris has produced in 2011 and 2010. The Granite 60 comes from three separate parcels of a lieu-dit called Sauman, which is opposite of another famous lieu-dit called Reynard. As Paris says, this is an area that gives more body as well as freshness than other terroirs in Cornas. Vines planted in these three parcels are 20, 60 and 100 years of age. (12/ 2012)

89-91 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Deep ruby. Intense black raspberry and cherry aromas are complemented by notes of mace, violet and smoky minerals. Sweet, silky and pure, with pure dark berry and bitter cherry flavors braced by tangy acidity. Finishes supple, sweet and long, with a lingering note of candied violet. (4/ 2013)