This small selection of
three affordable wines,
from the same grape variety,
syrah, shows the difference
in interpretation by each
producer – another
demonstration of French
terroir in its broadest sense.
Currently, the main
vintage on sale is 2004,
which is drinking well, but
would be better in a year or
two. The 2005 is being
bottled by many producers,
but on taste it can be seen to
need time to develop.
Unlike the rich, plummy
New World syrah of 14% to
14.5% ABV, Cornas wines
seldom contain more than
13.5% alcohol.
Cornas AC 2004, Granit
30, Domaine Vincent Paris,
13%ABV
Granit 30 is rich, deep, an
almost opaque damson
colour with purple edges.
The traditional syrah – spicy
aromas with plum and bitter
black cherry – are all
apparent. There is still a lot
of tannin showing which can
be reduced by decanting the
wine before serving, but it
would be better given
another year.
Vincent Paris, Chemin des
Peyrousses, 07130 Cornas,
Tel.
04 75 80 03 24.
Cornas AC 2004, Jacques
Lemenicier, 12.5% ABV
With its deep cherry-red robe
with hints of purple and a
black-cherry and peppery
bouquet, the palate is fruitforward
with black bitter
cherry predominating. The
tannins are beginning to
round out so the wine is
ready to drink, but still
capable of ageing.
Contact Jacques Lemenicier,
Chemin des Peyrousses, 07130
Cornas.
Tel. 04 75 81 00 57,
www.cornas-lemenicier.com
Cornas AC 2004, Les
Chailles, Alain Voge, 13%
ABV
Albéric Mayzoyer produces
Les Chailles wine from two
parcels of younger syrah
vines grown on clayey
granite soil. Again, almost
opaque red in colour, but
with a spicy, liquorice
bouquet and follow-through
on the taste, this is the fullest
bodied of the three wines.
This one can be drunk now,
if decanted, but would
benefit from more time in
bottle. In contrast, the 2005,
just bottled, has screaming
tannins on the taste and will
need far longer to mature.
Both wines are excellent in
quality and would greatly
enhance any cellar.
Alberic Mazoyer, Domaine
Alain Voge, 4 Impasse de
l’Équerre, 07130 Cornas.
Tel.
04 75 40 32 04
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