1988 Noel Verset, Cornas 1×1.5L

Vinous 94

Verset’s 1988 Cornas, from a vintage that I’ve always loved, is a textbook example of the elegance of the best wines of the year. Displaying sexy, spice-tinged raspberry and floral scents that show pinot-like clarity and lift, it picks up a smoky quality with air, along with a hint of cured tobacco. Smooth, seamless and focused in the mouth, with juicy red fruit and spicecake flavors, it shows a delicate touch that’s rare for Cornas. Quite elegant, with fully absorbed tannins and a long, fresh, fruit-driven finish that belies its age. This graceful wine has been delicious since I first tasted it from barrel with Verset in 1989 – I wouldn’t be at all surprised if was still drinking well another decade from now. [Josh Raynolds, 03/02/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025

Robert Parker 89

Verset’s 1988 Cornas, should anyone be lucky enough to still find any, is more structured, more tannic, and more muscular than the lush, alcoholic 1989. It should be laid away for another two years. Like most of Verset’s wines, it possesses a big, black-berry, jammy bouquet of Asian spices, licorice, violets, and minerals. It is an excellent Cornas that falls just short of being outstanding. Anticipated maturity: now-2003. Last tasted 6/95. [Robert Parker, 01/01/1997]

Anticipated maturity: 1995-2003