M. Chapoutier : Les Arènes 2018

Blueberry, raspberry and a touch of blackcurrant make for a fruity style of Cornas. It has some weight and presence on the palate, yet the acidity feels quite sharp. Finishing on red fruit, there’s a good sense of freshness but no great intensity or drive. Drink young. Destemmed, fermented in concrete, then 80% is transferred to barrels for around 14 months.

Medium-bodied, tart, fresh and crisp, the piquant red berries are as lively as they are tannic and bright. The finish is quite stony. This is not a fun wine to enjoy young. So age it for at least 5-8 years.

The 2018 Cornas Les Arênes showed beautifully, with a deep purple color as well as complex notes of blueberries, peppery herbs, earth, and loads of spice. It's about as seamless and elegant as Cornas gets (it's from more sandy soils) and is beautifully balanced, has silky tannins, and a great finish. It's a killer Cornas that's going to evolve for 15 years.