One of the greatest Cornas I have ever tasted is Tardieu-Laurent's 1997 Cornas Vieilles Vignes. This wine takes concentration, power, and body to an extreme limit, but it possesses remarkable balance and well-integrated acidity, tannin, and alcohol. Black-colored, with Cornas' tell-tale blackberry, cassis, and tar aromas, fabulous concentration, and a long, intense finish, this fabulous effort is backward and should be at its finest between 2001-2020. An amazing accomplishment! Importers: Bacchus Importers, tel. (410) 633-0400, Stacole Imports, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0029; Martin Scott Wines Ltd., Little Neck, NY; Ventures in Wine, Daly City, CA; Atlantic Importing Co., Newton, MA; Fine Vines, Maywood, IL and all the importers representing the selections of French broker, Patrick Lesec (Paris fax # 011 33 1 44 70 62 93)

Too oaky and overdone. Thick and rich, showing licorice, red berry and plum character. Has fresh acidity on the palate and sawdust from the obvious oak treatment. The woody finish may need time to come around. Best from 2002 through 2007. 165 cases made.??–PM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Cornas Select to Add