Matthieu Barret Domaine du Coulet Billes Noires 2011 (1.5L)

96 WS / 95 WA

96 Points Wine Spectator: Offers a scintillating display of loganberry, black currant, bitter plum and cherry pit notes before picking up a racy minerally edge that pierces the finish, leaving echoes of warm iron, singed bay leaf, white pepper and game. A uniquely intense expression of mineral-driven Syrah. Best from 2018 through 2031. 100 cases imported. James Molesworth

Even better, the 2011 Cornas Billes Noires, which spends one year in old wood followed by one year in concrete tank, offers blockbuster levels of black raspberry, smoked earth, chocolate, licorice and crushed rock on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied, long, elegant and with laser-like focus, it nevertheless does not lack for fruit or texture, and has fine-grained tannin framing the finish beautifully. With a scant 600 cases to go around, there’s not much of it, but don’t miss a chance to grab a couple of bottles if you can. It too will drink well for 10-15 years. Made by Matthieu Barret, these two Cornas were standouts in a larger, appellation-wide Cornas tasting that I did. They are classic, gorgeous wines that left me wondering where I could buy some. - Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate