2009 Alain Voge, Cornas, Les Vieilles Vignes 1×1.5L

Robert Parker 96

Much more voluptuous and sexy than the more backward 2010, the 2009 Cornas Vieilles Vignes knocks it out of the park with its toasted spice, black raspberry, licorice and graphite-laced bouquet. Thick, full-bodied, and concentrated, with a wealth of raw material, as well as a lashing of tannin, give this blockbuster 2009 a handful of years in the cellar and enjoy through 2034. [Jeb Dunnuck, 28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035

Vinous 92

Opaque ruby. Mineral-accented aromas of black raspberry, cassis and violet, with a spicy topnote. Deeply concentrated but almost shockingly energetic, offering juicy dark berry and licorice flavors and an exotic hint of candied flowers. Fine-grained tannins add shape and grip the persistent, floral finish. Right now the fruit is to the fore but this is built to age. [Josh Raynolds, 03/01/2012]