Cornas Reynard, Thierry Allemand 2012

Coming from the oldest vines of the estate and one of the best vineyards in the world for Syrah, the 2012 Cornas Reynard is a massive, thick and unctuous effort that's bursting at the seams with notions of crème de cassis, crushed violets, smoked game and incredible minerality. Just a sensational Cornas that surpasses what was achieved in 2009 and 2010, this full-bodied, concentrated and structured effort has the fruit to be enjoyable now (this is a common trait of the vintage), yet has the depth, richness and balance to evolve for over two decades. It doesn't come cheap, but it's up there with some of the finest Syrahs made.