Cornas, Alain Voge [Low Levels], 1985

The 1985 Cornas Les Vieilles Vignes is so sublime that you have to resist taking its hand and running away to elope. Fragrant crushed strawberry, wilted rose petals, chestnut, potpourri and a subtle gaminess adorn the bouquet that conveys a sense of warmth like so many 1985s tend to do, whether it is Bordeaux, Burgundy or the Rhône. It is a strange word to use, but I feel a sense of “homeliness” when I nose this wine. The palate is beautifully balanced, mellow and refined, with perfect acidity and a velvety texture not unlike a Romanée-Saint-Vivant. There is real complexity in this 1985, discrete black truffle and ferrous notes evolving on the persistent and quite sensual finish. It encapsulates everything you wish for in mature Cornas.

DRINKING WINDOW 2018 - 2035

date of review 09/2018