2015 Cornas Billes Noires
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Tasting notes
The 2015 Cornas Billes Noires is a bruiser that needs to be hidden in the cellar. Ripe, powerful notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, licorice, graphite, and roasted meats all give way to a full-bodied, primordial Cornas that has building tannins, plenty of depth, and good acidity. It's going to be great, just give it 3-4 more years in the cellar. Lovers of wild, feral, and uber-classic Cornas (or Syrah for that matter) need to know Domaine du Coulet and vigneron Matthieu Barret. These aren’t for those looking only for pure, clean fruit and the wines are loaded with gamey, violet, and searing peppery notes. They’re singular, high quality, and well worth seeking out.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Barret's 2015 Cornas Domaine du Coulet Billes Noires is the current release, sold after four years of aging. Typical for the vintage, it's full-bodied and fully ripe, with a plush, velvety texture and dark flavors of cola, cassis and dried spices that linger on the finish, picking up earthy nuances.
A selection from the top of the hill. Much more readable than most young Cornas. Admirable finesse. Though some locals may accuse it of wimpishness? (JR)