2015 Thierry Allemand, Cornas, Reynard 1x750ml

Vinous 95-97

(no new oak): Lurid purple. An explosively perfumed bouquet evokes ripe black and blue fruits, incense and Asian spices, with a suave floral overtone gaining strength in the glass. Stains the palate with sweet, impressively concentrated blackberry, boysenberry, violet pastille and spicecake flavors, with juicy acidity providing shape and energetic lift. Dark fruit liqueur and allspice notes cling on a strikingly long, expansive finish that’s framed and given grip by supple, harmonious tannins. In a predictably richer style than usual for Allemand ("that’s the vintage speaking", he said) but this wine still displays the domains’s typical vivacity and detail. [Josh Raynolds, 04/01/2017]