Only produced in top vintages (this is the first since 2012), the 2015 Cornas Vieilles Fontaines comes from 80-year-old vines within the La Fontaine lieu-dit. It's a tough wine to evaluate at this stage, as it's quite closed and reticent on the nose, showing some crushed-stone notes and typical granite-based austerity, but on the palate it shows great purity of fruit and vigor. It's full-bodied but tight-laced, focused on driving through the long finish like a thoroughbred down the stretch. Give it at least 5 years in the cellar.

This has the density and power that is the hallmark of the vintage, with melted licorice snap and tar notes draped over a large-scale core of fig, blackberry and black currant paste flavors. The brooding finish shows a warm cast-iron accent streaking through. Best from 2022 through 2038. 550 cases made, 25 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Cornas Select to Add