2011 Barret - Cornas Billes Roires
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Cornas Billes Noires was made at a time when Barret’s wines could, frankly, be uneven. But it was easy to ascertain that he was going places, and he clearly wasn’t shy about experimentation and learning. Made in a combination of concrete eggs, concrete vats and old foudres, the 2011 is just hitting its stride. Sappy cassis and cherry are showcased, along with pungent floral, spice and licorice qualities. A smoky bacon nuance adds complexity without coming off as intrusive. The wine’s tannins are still present but in the background, allowing the fruit, floral and spice notes to take center stage. There’s weight here, which is surprising for a vintage whose wines are typically marked more by elegance than richness. This benefits from an hour or so of aeration.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Even better, the 2011 Cornas Billes Noires, which spends one year in old wood followed by one year in concrete tank, offers blockbuster levels of black raspberry, smoked earth, chocolate, licorice and crushed rock on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied, long, elegant and with laser-like focus, it nevertheless does not lack for fruit or texture, and has fine-grained tannin framing the finish beautifully. With a scant 600 cases to go around, there’s not much of it, but don’t miss a chance to grab a couple of bottles if you can. It too will drink well for 10-15 years. Made by Matthieu Barret, these two Cornas were standouts in a larger, appellation-wide Cornas tasting that I did. They are classic, gorgeous wines that left me wondering where I could buy some. Importer: Jeff Welburn Selections, Van Nuys, CA; tel. (818) 780-4446
Dark crimson. Overripe notes on the nose. Over the top. Lacks real energy in the middle. Dry finish. (JR)
Even better, the 2011 Cornas Billes Noires, which spends one year in old wood followed by one year in concrete tank, offers blockbuster levels of black raspberry, smoked earth, chocolate, licorice and crushed rock on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied, long, elegant and with laser-like focus, it nevertheless does not lack for fruit or texture, and has fine-grained tannin framing the finish beautifully. With a scant 600 cases to go around, there’s not much of it, but don’t miss a chance to grab a couple of bottles if you can. It too will drink well for 10-15 years. Dec 2013, www.robertparker.com