There are always two cuvees of Cornas, and like some of the most traditional producers I taste, the wines are often better out of bottle than the barrel and/or foudre samples. That is the case with 2004, where both wines revealed significantly more flavor and intensity than they did last year. The 2004 Cornas Renaissance has a dark ruby purple color, a sweet nose of plum, blackberry, licorice, and smoke, a beautiful, round, opulent texture, and surprising length, richness, and headiness. This is a terrific effort in this challenging vintage. Drink it over the next decade. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524

There are always two cuvees of Cornas, and like some of the most traditional producers I taste, the wines are often better out of bottle than the barrel and/or foudre samples. That is the case with 2004, where both wines revealed significantly more flavor and intensity than they did last year. The 2004 Cornas Renaissance has a dark ruby purple color, a sweet nose of plum, blackberry, licorice, and smoke, a beautiful, round, opulent texture, and surprising length, richness, and headiness. This is a terrific effort in this challenging vintage. Drink it over the next decade. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524

Intended to offer a taste of Cornas at an earlier age, the 2004 Renaissance features bright strawberry fruit. It’s a bit peppery and herbal, with a light, less tannic structure. Approachable now.——J.C.(9/1/2007)—— 87