Looking at the 2012 Cornas releases, the 2012 Cornas les Chailles (100% Syrah from the Les Chailles lieu-dit, aged in 2- to 5-year-old white-wine barrels) is stunning stuff that could rival the 2010 and 2011 in another couple of years. Offering up terrific cassis, black raspberry, crushed rock and licorice aromas and flavors, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and seamless, with awesome purity. Already hard to resist, this puppy will evolve gracefully for upward of a decade.

Shows lovely drive and energy from the start, with anise, plum, violet, white pepper, briar and iron notes seamlessly woven together and stretching out through the long finish. A chalky undertow adds contrast and tension. Best from 2015 through 2027. 960 cases made.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Cornas Select to Add