2010 Domaine Lionnet, Cornas “Terre Brulee” Rhone Red, France.
The cellars are run by Ludovic Izerable and Corrine Lionnet, the husband and wife team that are Domaine Lionnet, since the retirement of Pierre Lionnet, Corinne’s father, with Ludovic making the wine here since 2003. The approach is a simple one, they are as natural and minimalistic as they can be with biodynamic practices in the vines and gentle in the cave, Ludovic uses only native yeast, a basket press and everything is whole cluster fermented, he employes the use of cement vats and neutral old wood casks for aging, this makes for the purest expression of Cornas and of Syrah, and they are successful in making beautiful and personality filled wine. The 100% Syrah, Cornas Terre Brulee by Domaine Lionnet continues to impress, I reviewed this wine last Sept (9/23/13) as part of a Northern Rhone Highlights post, and just re-tasted it (5/18/14) recently to find it even more engaging and it is filling out, living up to it’s potential no question. The 2010 is showing blueberry, violets, subtle meat, earth and fennel up front, leading to a refined and spicy palate of damson plum, boysenberry, black currant, white pepper, truffle, lavender, bacon and salted black licorice. Everything is in focus, harmonious and just a touch rustic, this is classic Cornas, it has hints of mineral and stony earth through out, but pretty fruit layers always stay top billing and the acidity and tannins add the perfect lift and structure, this is everything you’d want from a Syrah and more, it is hard to resist now, drink from 2014 to 2020.
($57 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
