Cornas, Les Billes Noires, 2007

From the high-up Arlettes vineyard, the name Billes Noires or ‘Black Marbles’ refers to the consistently tiny grapes that this single vineyard produces. They are the estate’s highest vines, the soils here are shallow, very well drained and yields are extremely low. This displays all of the polish and sophistication of the 2007 Terrasses du Serre, with an extra brightness and vivacity, no doubt the result of the vineyard’s high altitude. This is superb, showing pure, sensual flavours of autumn currants, berry fruits, and black cherries, gloriously perfumed, fine but with a sturdy but supple tannic grip.