I love the wines of this estate, and the 2017 Cornas Terre Brûlée is about as classic as it gets. Killer notes of wild herbs, iron, smoked earth, liquid violets, and bloody blue fruits all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, structured, impeccably balance 2017. With plenty of tannins, yet abundant opulence and hedonistic appeal, drink this sexy Cornas over the coming 15+ years. This cuvée comes from six separate parcels (from 5 lieux-dits) and spent 18 months in 4- to 10-year-old demi-muids.

Inky ruby. Powerful, deeply perfumed aromas of black and blue fruit preserves, licorice and olive, along with a sexy floral overtone. Coats the palate with juicy blackberry, boysenberry, violet pastille and spicecake flavors, while a smoky mineral flourish adds vibrant lift. Chewy tannins shape an impressively long, mineral-accented finish that shows very good power and spicy thrust. -- Josh Raynolds

Lionnet's 2017 Cornas Terre Brulee features classic but toned-down notes of resinous herbs, violets and blueberries. It's medium-bodied, lacking the depth and richness of the appellation's best wines while still showing genuine regional character. Drink it on the young side.- JC