Ferraton Cornas Lieu-Dit Patou 2016 (750ML)

94+ JD / 93 WA / 93 WS

On another level, the backward, closed, gamey 2016 Cornas Lieu Dit Patou wasn't giving up much on this occasion, yet has ample potential in its earthy dark fruit, pepper, and olive aromas, full body, deep, rich, powerful texture, and great finish. It's locked and loaded but needs a year or three of bottle age. This cuvée comes from a warmer region in the southern part of Cornas and spent 14 months in 15% new French oak. Jeb Dunnuck

I appear to have underestimated the 2016 Cornas Lieu-Dit Patou when I tasted it last year. It looks terrific now from bottle, with peppery smoked meat aromas and plenty of dark fruit. Full-bodied, rich and velvety, it's a beauty to drink over the next decade or so. - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

This has a large core of warm plum and blackberry compote flavors, harnessed for now by licorice root, cocoa and warm cast-iron notes. Very solid, displaying a grippy feel through the finish, with hints of tar and dark olive lingering. A strapping wine. Best from 2020 through 2035. 110 cases made, 20 cases imported. - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator