2020 Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 30, Northern Rhone

Very herbal, with leafy herbs like tarragon alongside woody herbs such as rosemary. Blueberry and liquorice too. Middleweight style, good concentration of fresh, juicy berry fruit and good persistence. Fresh, intense, gently saline and well-balanced. A good value pick this year. From 10-year-old vines, all destemmed. Drinking Window 2022 - 2030

93 points Matt Walls decanter.com

Consumers loath to explore Cornas because of ever-increasing prices should consider Vincent Paris's 2020 Cornas Granit 30 when it is released. Hints of violets, crushed stone, licorice and cassis all appear on the nose of Paris's entry level cuvée, providing ample complexity. A strong effort, it's full-bodied, ripe and silky in texture, with a lingering finish. It may not be classic, put-hair-on-your-chest rustic Cornas, but it's a delicious mouthful of Syrah that's true to its granitic origins.

90-92 points Joe Czerwinski robertparker.com Jan 2022 Drink 2023-2032

Granite is the soul of Cornas, and nowhere is that more evident than in Vincent Paris's Granit 30. Named for the steep 30 percent slopes of the vineyards and the decomposed granite soils beneath them, this is Syrah in its most elemental form. Vincent Paris has become one of the Northern Rhône's rising stars, crafting wines that capture the raw energy and savoury complexity of Cornas while bringing a touch more refinement and accessibility to this famously powerful appellation.

The Paris family has worked these rugged hillsides for generations, with Vincent establishing his own domaine in 1997 and quickly earning a reputation for precise, terroir driven winemaking. The excellent 2020 vintage delivered fruit of exceptional concentration and balance, with warm conditions tempered by the freshness and structure that define Cornas. Traditional winemaking and careful oak maturation allow the character of the vineyard to take centre stage.

Deep purple black in colour, the bouquet is intensely aromatic, revealing blackberry, black cherry and damson layered with notes of cracked pepper, smoked bacon and violets. As the wine opens, hints of olive tapenade, graphite and charcuterie emerge, adding further complexity and unmistakable Northern Rhône character. The palate is powerful yet beautifully controlled, delivering concentrated dark fruits framed by firm but polished tannins and vibrant acidity. There is an appealing tension between richness and savoury restraint, leading to a long, mineral finish that lingers with spice, smoke and crushed rock.

This is a magnificent partner for roast lamb with rosemary, venison loin, slow braised beef cheeks, mushroom pithivier or a rich lentil and black olive cassoulet. Already immensely enjoyable with a generous decant, it has all the structure and pedigree to evolve beautifully over the next fifteen years and beyond.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2040.